'^ 


^■:jj^ 


^. 


\\ 


^ 


ir 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


kf 


.5.* 


J 


k  ^ 


Ur'.  t2A    |25 
ut  lU   12.2 


u 

lU 

lit 
u 


14.0 


2.0 


-► 


Fhotographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


71  WiSV  MAIN  STKliT 

WltSTIR,N.Y.  M3tO 

(71*)  173-^303 


CIHM/ICMH 


Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Instituta  for  Historical  IMicroraproductions  /  inttitut  Canadian  da  microraproductions  hittoriquas 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notas/Notaa  tochniqua*  at  bibliographiquas 


Tl 
to 


Tha  Inatituta  haa  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  beat 
original  copy  availabia  for  filming.  Faaturaa  of  thia 
copy  which  may  ba  bibliographically  uniqua. 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction,  or  which  may  aignificantiy  changa 
tha  uauai  mathod  of  filming,  ara  chackad  balow. 


□    Colourad  covara/ 
Couvartura  da  coulaur 


n 


D 


D 
D 


D 


D 


Covara  damagad/ 
Couvartura  andommagia 

Covara  raatorad  and/or  laminatad/ 
Couvartura  raataurte  at/ou  palliculAa 


I — I   Covar  titia  miaaing/ 


La  titra  da  couvartura  manqua 

Colourad  mapa/ 

Cartaa  gtographiquaa  9n  coulaur 


□   Colourad  ink  (i.a.  othar  than  blua  or  black)/ 
Encra  da  coulaur  (i.a.  autra  qua  blaua  ou  noira) 

I — I   Colourad  plataa  and/or  illuatrationa/ 


Planchaa  at/ou  illuatrationa  an  coulaur 


Bound  with  othar  matarial/ 
Rali*  avac  d'autraa  documanta 


Tight  binding  may  cauaa  ahadowa  or  diatortion 
along  intarior  margin/ 

La  r0  liura  aarria  paut  cauaar  da  I'ombra  ou  da  la 
diatortion  la  long  da  la  marga  intiriaura 

Blank  laavaa  addad  during  raatoration  may 
appaar  within  tha  taxt.  Whanavar  poaaibia,  thaaa 
hava  baan  omittad  from  filming/ 
II  aa  paut  qua  cartainaa  pagaa  blanchaa  ajout6aa 
lora  d'una  raatauration  apparaiaaant  dana  la  taxta, 
mala,  loraqua  cala  Atait  poaaibia,  caa  pagaa  n'ont 
paa  «t«  filmtea. 

Additional  commanta:/ 
Commantairaa  supplAmantairaa; 


L'Inatitut  a  microfilm*  la  maillaur  axamplaira 
qu'il  lui  a  it*  poaaibia  da  aa  procurer.  Las  details 
da  cat  axamplaira  qui  sont  paut-Atra  uniques  du 
point  da  vue  bibliographique.  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dana  la  mAthoda  normale  de  filmage 
aont  indiquia  ci-daaaous. 


I     I   Coloured  pagaa/ 


v/ 


D 


Pagaa  de  couieur 

Pagaa  damaged/ 
Pagaa  andommagiaa 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pages  restauriea  et/ou  peiliculies 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxe< 
Pages  dicolories,  tacheties  ou  piquies 


I — I   Pagaa  damaged/ 

|~~|   Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 

r~T]   Pages  diacoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 


Tl 

P« 
of 
fil 


Oi 
b4 
th 
ai 
ot 
fil 
ai 

Of 


□   Pages  detached/ 
Pages  ditachies 


Showthrough/ 
Transparence 


r~n   Quality  of  print  variea/ 


Quality  inigaia  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  matiriai  supplimentaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 


Tl 
si 
Tl 


M 
di 
er 
bi 

rM 
re 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscui^d  by  errata 
aiipa,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Lea  pagaa  totalament  ou  partieilement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuiilet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc..  ont  M  filmies  A  nouveau  de  fapon  i 
obtanir  la  maiileure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  eat  film*  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqu*  ci-deaaous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


30X 


• 

^ 

12X 


16X 


aox 


24X 


28X 


32X 


Tlw  copy  filmMl  hora  Iwa  bMn  r«producMl  thank* 
to  tho  9onoros(ty  of: 

,  VaneouMr  Public  Library 


L'oxomptoiro  fNm*  f ut  roprodiiit  grico  A  la 
gAfiArotitA  do: 

Vancouver  Public  LMirary 


Tho  imogot  oppooring  horo  aro  tho  boat  quatity 
poaaiblo  conaMoring  tho  condition  and  logibility 
of  tho  original  copy  and  in  liaaping  with  tho 
filming  contract  apocif icationa. 


Original  copio*  in  printed  papar  covora  ara  filmad 
beginning  with  tha  front  covor  and  anding  on 
tho  laat  pago  with  a  ^>rintad  or  illuttratau  improa- 
■ion,  or  tho  back  covrr  whon  appropriata.  All 
othor  original  copioa  ara  filmad  beginning  on  tho 
first  paga  with  a  prfrttad  or  illuttratad  impraa- 
•ion.  and  anding  on  tha  last  paga  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  -^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tho  symbol  ▼  (meaning  "END"). 
whichever  applies. 


Lea  imagaa  auh^antae  ont  At*  reproduitos  avac  la 
plua  grand  aoin.  compto  tenu  do  la  condition  ot 
do  la  nattotA  de  rexomplaira  film*,  ot  en 
conformitA  avac  lea  conditlona  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 

Los  exomplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  eat  imprimAe  sent  filmAs  en  common^ant 
par  la  premier  plat  at  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
darnlAro  page  qui  comporto  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration.  soit  par  la  second 
plat,  salon  lo  cas.  Tous  los  autres  exomplaires 
originaux  sont  filmAs  en  commen9ant  par  la 
premiAre  page  qui  comporto  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  ot  en  terminant  par 
la  derniAre  page  qui  comporto  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
derniAre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — »>  signifie  "A  SUIVRE".  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc..  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Los  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc..  peuvent  Aire 
filmAs  A  des  taux  da  rAduction  diffArentis. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  soul  clichA.  il  est  filmA  A  pertir 
de  Tangle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas.  an  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nAcessoire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mAthode.  . 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

■■« 


■ii 


mm. 


•s 


UNITED  STATES 


EXPLOKING  EXPEDITION. 


mimmimm^^mmm'fF''Fm 


/ 


UNITED    STATES 


EXPLORING   EXPEDITION. 


DURING  THE  YEARS 


1888,  1839,  1840,  1841,  1842. 


UNDER  THE  COMMAND  OP 


CHARLES    WILKES.    U.S.N. 


MAMMALOGY 


ANQ 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


m 
JOHN    CASS  IN, 

KKMBEB   or   IHB   ACADEMY   OF  NATURAL   8CIENCK8   OF   PBILADBLPHIA;    OF  THE   AMEBIOAN   PBILOSOPHICAL   80CIETT ; 

OF  THE   IfATIONAI.  INSTITUTE ;     OF   THE    NATUBAL   HIgTORT    gOOIETr  OF  CHARLESTON;    OF  THE    LYCEUM 

OF   NATURAL  BISTORT  OF  NEW  YORK;     OF   THE   NATURAL    HISTORY    SOCIETY    OF   MONTREAL; 

COBBBSPONDINO   MEMBER  OF  THE  COOLOOICAi  SpCIETY  OF  LONDON ;    HONORARY 

*  MEMBER  OF  THE  UNITED  S0C|E3Y  OF   aEBI^AH  6rN<THOLOOIST8,  ETC. 

''•\ ' '  '       i'.'i  '''        ''',''i' 
with"  A    FoiiiO   ATLAS. 


1  •         9         » 


•       ,•  •  •••t*''a  •  ••»•  ♦ 


«  «•      •a*i*«i 


««•••"•••  ■>• 


PHILADELPHIA: 
J.    B.    LIPPINCOTT    &    CO. 

1858. 


>::> 


530 


\ 


G51 


•• .  ..< 


INTRODUCTION, 


In  1851  I  was  engaged,  by  the  Honorable  Joint  Library  Committee 
of  Congress,  to  superintend  the  preparation  of  Plates  for  the  Atlas  of 
Mammalogy  and  Ornithology  of  the  United  States  Exploring  Expedi- 
tion; and  subsequently  to  prepare  the  present  volume.  In  both  of 
these  departments  of  Natural  History,  large  and  highly  interesting 
collections  were  made,  and  much  new  and  valuable  information  ob- 
tained by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition.  My  object  had  been  to 
notice,  in  this  volume,  every  species  of  interest,  with  careful  descrip- 
tions of  such  as  were  previously  unknown;  and  to  give  all  the  infor- 
mation to  be  obtained  from  the  recorded  observations  and  journals  of 
the  naturalists,  which  have  been  at  my  disposal;  and  I  have  appended 
a  complete  Catalogue  of  the  collections  in  these  two  classes  of  animals. 

Not  having  accompanied  the  Expedition,  my  sources  of  information 
have  been  exclusively  those  designated  above,  and  especially  I  am  in- 
debted to  the  kindness  of  Charles  Pickering,  M.D.,  one  of  the  natu- 
ralists of  the  Expedition,  whose  volumes  have  added  so  much  of  the 
highest  value  to  its  series  of  publications.  In  addition  to  the  branches 
of  Natural  History  with  which  this  distinguished  naturalist  was  espe- 
cially charged,  he  made  notes  of  observations  in  all  other  departments; 
from  which  has  been  derived  some  of  the  most  valuable  material  of 
the  present  volume ;  and  with  great  liberality  and  kindness,  he  copied 
and  collated,  for  my  greater  convenience,  a  large  amount  of  manu- 
script notes  on  quadrupeds  and  birds,  made  on  the  voyage,  and  now 


VI 


INTRODUCTION. 


for  the  firat  time  published.     Much  of  the  most  valuable  portion  of 
the  present  volume  has  been  thus  contributed  by  this  gentleman. 

From  the  notes  and  observations  of  Mr.  Titian  B.  Peale,  another  of 
the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition,  much  also  has  been  derived;  and 
in  fact  every  facility  has  been  most  promptly  afforded  by  all  parties 
attached  to  the  Expedition,  or  in  charge  of  the  collections.  To  the 
gentlemen  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia,  and 
especially  to  Dr.  Thomas  B.  Wilson,  and  to  Professors  Joseph  Henry 
and  Spencer  F.  Baird,  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  I  avail  myself 
of  the  present  opportunity  of  tendering  my  deep  sense  of  obligation 
for  indispensable  privileges  and  facilities  in  the  libraries  and  museums 
of  the  Institutions  mentioned,  and  personally  for  much  valuable  advice 
and  assistance. 

The.  Plates  of  the  Atlas  to  the  present  volume  were  colored  at  the 
establishment  of  Mrs.  Lavinia  Bowen,  Philadelphia,  and  I  deem  it  but 
justice  to  say  that  they  are,  in  the  particular  of  representing  the  colors 
of  species  accurately,  highly  creditable.  I  most  cheerfully  bear  testi- 
mony to  her  exceeding  carefulness  and  ability  in  this  important  feature 
in  zoological  illustrations.  Many  of  the  drawings  were  made  by 
Mr.  Peale 

JOHN  CASSIN. 

Academy  of  Natdral  Sciences, 
Philadelphia,  Maj  10th,  1838. 


CONTENTS. 


MAMMALOGY. 


ABOTOMrRinii!,  Family, 
CANiPiE,  Fahily, 
CASTOKiDiK,  Family, 
CEKViDiS,  Family, 
Cetacea,  Order, 
Delphinid^,  Family, 
Fer^,  Order, 
Glires,  Order, 
HYSTRiciDiE,  Family, 
Mammalia,  Class, 
MuRiDiE,  Family,    . 
PaociD^,  Family, 

QrADRUMAKA,   ORDEB, 

SciuRiDiE,  Family, 
SoRECiDwE,  Family,  . 
Unoitlata,  Order, 
Ursid^e,  Family,     . 
Vespebtilionid^  Family, 


Ptf* 
85 
16 
83 
65 
21 
27 
18 
83 
51 

8 
87 
25 

8 

49 
23 
55 
18 

3 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


ALCiDiE,  Family,     . 
Ampelid^,  Family, 
ANATiDiE,  Family,  . 
Aroeidjs,  Family, 
Ates,  Class, 
Caprimuloid^,  Family, 
CharadriaDwB,  Family, 
CoLUMBiDiB,  Family,     . 
CoLYMBiDiE,  Family, 

CONIROSTBES,  TrIBE, 


346 
160 
332 
294 
69 
187 
325 
251 
346 
114 


viii 


CONTENTS. 


CvvvuvM,  Familt,  . 

Dentihohtreb,  Tribe,    .  . 

Falconid^,  Family, 
FiBBiROSTRBfl,  Tribe,      .  i  . 

Orallatoreb,  Tribe,  .  . 

Halctomid^,  Family,   .  .  . 

HiRUNDiKiDJt,  Family,         .  . 

ISSEBBOREB,  ORDER,  .,  .  . 

LkviAvx,  Family,   .  ... 

Larid^e,  Family,  .  .  . 

MiRUPiDiB,  Family, 

MOHOORAPH  or  THE  GiNUB  ToDIRAMPHUB] 

Mcac'icAPiD.«,  Family,       .  .  , 

Natatoreb,  Tribe,       .  .  . 

PATONiDiK,  Family,  .  . 

FELECANIDiG,   FAMILY,    .  .  . 

P1CID.1E,  Family, 

Fbittacid^,  Family,    .  .  . 

BALLiDiE,  Family,   . 

Baptores,  Order,         .  .  . 

Raboreb,  Order,     . 

ScANSoRES,  Tribe,         .  >  . 

ScuLoPACiDiE,  Family,         .  . 

STRioiDiE,  Family,        .  .  . 

Strdthioxid^,  Family, 

Sylviad^,  Family, 

Synupbib  of  the  American  Viiltures< 

Tantalid.^,  Family,     .  .  . 

Tenuirobtreb,  Tribe, 

Tetraonid^,  Family,   . 

TODIRAMPBUS,  GbN'US,  MoNOGRAPn  OP, 

TROGONiDiE,  Family, 
TuRDiDiE,  Family,   . 
VuLTURiDiE,  Family,     . 
Vultures,  American',  Synopsis  of, 


Pt|t 
244 
140 

88 
181 
294 
191 
181 
114 
140 
377 
228 
202 
144 
332 
289 
355 
242 
230 
303 

69 
251 
230 
310 
103 
292 
163 

77 
301 
168 
283 
202 
229 
157 

69 

77 


MAMMALOGY. 


1! 


li 


MAMMALOGY, 


1.  Class    MAMMALIA. 


1.  Order  QUADRUMANA.— The  Four-handed  Mammals. 


1.  Family  VESPERTILIONIDiE.— The  Bats. 


1.  Genus  VESPERTILIO,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  46  (1766). 


1.  Vespebtilio  californjcus,  Bachman. 


Veipertilio  cali/orntcm,  Baciim.  Jour.  Acad.  Philad.  VIII,  p.  285  (1842). 

Several  specimens,  which  we  consider  as  undoubtedly  of  this  spe- 
cies, are  in  the  collection  of  the  E.xpedition,  and  were  obtained  in 
Oregon  and  California.  Generally,  they  agree  with  the  description 
by  Dr.  Bachman  cited,  but  the  largest  sljgh^Jy  .exceed  Jiis  measure- 
ments. '.,  : ;  .'■.';  ".  '••'  *'.•'•...•  •  .•*.••. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale,  this  bat  was  found  iiV'Ji^l.'Pn'fts  ot_Oi«gon 
visited  by  members  of  the  Expedi^'iou,  wj^iilso-nt  Sad'.ipranciscd,  Cali- 
fornia; but  we  find  nothing  recoraedbyeibiiei''of  tI\§Wafi}vaU'sts;6f'.the 
Expedition  relating,  to  its  manners  or  habits.  It  appears'  to  belong 
strictly  to  the  same  group  as  V.  subuhitus,  Say,  and  may  be  a  younger 
age  of  that  species. 


■B 


AMMALOOY. 


I   I 


2.  Vespertilio  semicaudatus,  Psale. 

Vespm-tilio  umtcaudatus,  Pealb,  Zoology,  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Yinccnneg,  Quadrupeds, 
p.  23  (Ist  ed.  1848). 

Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  I,  Fig.  1.    Adult. 

V.  parvits,  alia  elongatis,  membrana  inter/emorali  magna,  oauda  hrevi, 
fuligirumis,  eubtus  pallidior,  membranis  fuscia.     Long.  3  unc. 

Form. — Small,  but  with  the  wings  long,  legs  long,  interfemoral  mem- 
brane large,  naked,  and  attached  to  the  tail  except  at  its  end, 
which  projects  from  the  upper  surface ;  the  tail  extending  across 
not  more  than  half  the  width  of  this  membrane.  Muzzle  blunt ;  lips 
somewhat  produced  or  pendant ;  ears  obovate,  somewhat  pointed ; 
tragus  short,  rounded ;  fur  dense,  long. 

Dimensions. — Male.  Total  length  (specimen  in  spirits),  from  tip 
of  nose  to  outer  edge  of  interfemoral  membrane  (which  is  beyond  the 
end  of  the  tail),  about  three  inches ;  from  tip  of  nose  to  end  of  tail,  two 
inches ;  extent  of  wings,  about  nine  inches ;  leg,  about  one  and  a  half 
inches ;  tail,  about  six-tenths  of  an  inch ;  ear,  about  four-tenths  of  an 
inch. 

Colors. — Entire  pilage  sooty  brown,  with  a  tinge  of  dark  fulvous, 
paler  on  the  under  parts,  membranes  pale  brown.    Iris  black. 

Has. — Samoan  or  Navigator  Islands.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Wash- 
ington City. 

This  bat  is  remarkable  for  its  large  interfemoral  membrane,  which 
may  be  said  to  almost  completely  absorb  the  tail.  That  appendage 
traces  about  h9l£  the*  .U^idth  of  this  membrane,  and  at  its  tip  is  de- 
tached-f|Miiri  *ib*  611 'jjtie  u^fiper  surface,  leaving  about  one-tenth  of  an 
inch  free'."  Fronl  'tBe  point  of  de;tachment,  two  diverging  lines  are 
readily  seen, in- ;l^e;pitej^redisp€;c1tnen,  which  continue  to  the  outer 
edge  of  the'  tiifeinbrftntf.' '  '• ' * ' 

We  find  nothing  recorded  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition,  in 
relation  to  this  remarkable   bat,  except  that  Mr.   Peale  observes: 


QUADRUMANA. 


''  This  species  was  found  at  the  Samoan  Islands,  and  at  Upolu  was  not 
uncommon." 

In  addition  to  the  preceding  species  of  VesjperiiUonidce,  other  small 
species  are  noticed  by  both  Dr.  Pickering  and  Mr.  Feale,  as  occurring 
at  localities  not  previously  ascertained  to  be  inhabited  by  any  known 
species  of  this  family. 

At  the  Bay  of  Islands,  New  Zealand,  a  small  bat  is  mentioned,  but 
no  specimens  Were  obtained.  According  to  Mr.  Feale,  it  appeared  to 
be  about  eight  inches  in  extent  of  wings,  and  was  insectivorous. 

In  the  Island  of  Hawaii,  another  species  was  found  to  be  common, 
though  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  were  not  successful  in  secur- 
ing specimens.    Of  this  bat,  Mr.  Peale  gives  the  following  notice : 

"At  Kaarla-kea-kua,  on  the  Island  of  Hawaii,  memorable  as  the 
pl.;ce  where  the  renowned  circumnavigator  Cook  perished,  a  species  of 
bat,  which  we  believe  new  to  naturalists,  was  quite  common ;  it  mea- 
sures about  twelve  inches  across  the  wings,  is  of  a  ferrugineous  gray 
color,  the  interfemoral  membrane  is  large,  and  includes  the  tail,  which 
is  about  the  length  of  the  body.  It  has  the  general  aspect  and  color 
of  Veapertilio  noveboracensis,  but  is  larger." 


Dr.  Pickering  also  mentions  bats,  of  which  no  specimens  were  ob- 
tained, noticed  in  the  Island  of  Madeira,  and  at  the  Cape  de  Verd 
Islands.  He  records  the  fact,  that  a  species  of  this  family  appeared 
around  the  vessels  of  the  Expedition  as  they  were  approaching  the 
latter,  and  at  a  distance  irom  them  of  forty  miles. 

2.  Gends  MOLOSSUS,  Geoff.  St.  mi.  Ann.  Mub.  Paris,  VI,  p.  150  (1805). 

1.   MOLOSSUS  AURISPINOSUS  (Rah). 

Dytopet  aari»pino»u»,  Peale,  V^oy.  Vincennes  and  Peacock,  Zoology,  p.  21  (Ist  ed.). 
Molouut  ru(/osus,  D'Orbiqny,  Voy.  dans  I'Amer.  Merid.  Mammifdres,  PI.  X,  fig.  3  ? 

Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  I,  Fig.  2.    Adult. 


Late  casta neofuscii»,  subtus  pallkh'or.     Membranis  pallide  purpureo- 
brunneis,  interfemorali  sericea,  brunnea,  pedibue  fere  albis.     Long.  4i 

MWC. 


6 


MAMMALOGY. 


Form. — Muzzle  broad ;  lips  wrinkled  and  large ;  nostrils  round,  each 
on  the  outer  edge  of  a  disk,  which  is  edged  with  very  short  rigid 
bristles ;  ears  large,  connected  in  front,  rugose,  and  having  each  on 
its  anterior  margin,  which  is  recurved,  six  or  eight  very  short  spine- 
like protuberances;  wings  long;  toes  of  the  hind  feet  with  long  re- 
curved bristles.  Interfemoral  membrane  including  nearly  half  of 
the  tail,  velvety ;  tail  moderate,  or  rather  small.  Teeth  thirty :  in- 
cisors in  upper  jaw,  two;  canines,  one  on  each  side;  molars,  five  on 
each  side.  Lower  jaw  with  four  very  small  incisors;  canines,  one 
on  each  side ;  molars,  five  on  each  side.  Fur  of  the  entire  body  short, 
dense,  and  very  fine. 

Dimensions. — Total  length,  about  four  and  a  half  inches ;  extent  of 
the  wings,  fourteen  and  a  half  inches ;  tail,  one  and  eight-tenths  of  an 
inch,  of  which  about  one  inch  is  beyond  the  interfemoral  membrane. 


Color, —  Entire  pilage,  above  and  below,  fine  light  chestnut-brown, 
or  snuflf-color,  lighter  on  the  under  parts  of  the  body.  Membranes  of 
the  wings  light  purplish-brown;  ears  light  brown,  with  some  parts 
purplish  ;  interfemoral  membrane  silky-brown.  Bristles  of  the  hind 
feet  nearly  white.  The  whole  body  having  a  silvery  or  frosty  appear- 
ance in  some  lights. 

Has. — Brazil,  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington  City. 

It  is  not  without  very  considerable  doubts  and  misgivings,  that  we 
retain  the  present  bat  as  a  previously  undescribed  species.  It  much 
resembles  Molossus  rugosus,  as  cited  above,  in  all  respects  except  color, 
in  which,  however,  it  does  not  difl'er  from  that  species  in  a  greater  de- 
gree than  we  have  seen  specimens  of  the  commv.n  Molmsus  rvfua  of 
South  America  differ  from  each  other.  Our  present  specimen  is, 
moreover,  a  male,  and  that  described  and  figured  by  D'Orbigny  as 
above,  was  a  female.  We  retain  it  solely  on  account  of  its  peculiarity 
of  color.  It  is  also  evidently  nearly  related  to  Mdossua  velox  of 
authors,  also  a  South  American  bpecies,  and  is  very  probably  identical 
with  one  or  the  other  of  the  species  mentioned,  though  we  have  not 
at  hand  a  sufficiently  extensive  collection  in  this  difficult  family  for 
comparison  or  for  deciding  the  question. 

Mr.  Peale  states,  with  reference  to  this  species : 


QUADRUMANA.  7 

"  This  remarkable  bat  flew  on  board  the  U.  S.  Ship  Peacock,  oflF 
the  coast  of  Brazil,  on  the  18th  of  November,  when  the  ship  was 
about  one  hundred  miles  from  land,  south  of  Cape  St.  Roque.  When 
caught,  it  did  not  utter  any  audible  sound,  but  was  violent  in  defend- 
ing itself  at  first ;  soon,  however,  it  became  sufficiently  tame  to  allow 
itself  to  be  handled,  provided  no  violence  was  offered;  at  night, 
it  became  much  more  active  than  it  was  during  the  day,  and  uttered 
a  single  sharp  impatient  squeak,  whenever  it  found  that  it  could  not 
escape  from  the  cage." 

Of  the  genus  Moloaavs  (Geoff.  St.  Hil.),  to  which  this  species  belongs, 
there  are  not  less  than  eighteen  or  twenty  species,  the  greater  part  of 
which  inhabit  South  America  and  the  West  Indies.  There  are  others, 
which  are  natives  of  the  old  continent.  They  are  designated  by  some 
authors,  as  *'  Bulldog  Bats,"  on  account  of  the  breadth  and  strength 
of  their  jaws  and  peculiar  physiognomy.  A  few  species  have  been 
ascertained  to  inhabit  the  Southern  United  States,  and  are  described 
by  Mr.  William  Cooper,  in  the  Annals  of  the  New  York  Lyceum  of 
Natural  History,  IV,  p.  64,  accompanied  by  figures  (same  volume,  PI. 
III). 

Mr.  Peale's  name,  aurispinosus  we  consider  objectionable,  as  scarcely 
expressing  the  idea  intended,  which  appears  to  have  been  spinous' 
eared.  It  is  quite  too  near  meaning  golden-spined.  Moreover,  the 
spinous  processes  on  the  ears  in  this  species,  are  by  no  means  peculiar. 
In  the  plate  of  the  species  described  by  Mr.  Cooper,  in  the  Annals  of 
the  New  York  Lyceum,  as  above  cited,  this  character  is  represented 
very  conspicuously,  and,  undoubtedly,  with  the  most  entire  truthful- 
ness. 

8.  Genus  PTEROPUS,  Brisson,  Rfeg.  Anim.  (1756). 

General  characters  similar  to  those  of  other  groups  of  the  family 
Vespertilionidce,  or  bats.  The  species  of  this  genus  are,  however,  the 
largest  of  the  animals  of  this  family. 

1.  Pteropus  samoensis,  Psale. 


Pteropm  iamoemh,  Peale,  ZooI.  Exp.  Exp.  Vincennes,  Quadrupeds,  p.  20,  1st  ed. 
(1848). 


g  MAMMALOOr. 

Athva,  Mammalogy,  Plate  II.    Adult. 

P.  pdvQcephalo  affinia  at  minor.  Capite  brevimculo,  griseo,  fjiila  occipi- 
teque  aaturatioribue,  dorso  caataneo-fuaca,  pilia  elomjatia  albidia,  Jlavi- 
diaque  intertnixtia,  auhlua  caaUxneo-fuecua,  pilia  flavidia.  Aunculia 
parvia,  obtitaia,  ovatia. 

Resembling  P.  poliocephalua  of  Australia,  but  smaller. 

Form. — Head  rather  short ;  ears  small,  ovate,  obtusely  pointed ;  pilage 
coarse  and  wool-like,  especially  on  the  under  parts.  Wing-membranes 
slightly  furred  along  the  cou  se  of  the  bene,  most  observable  on  the 
under  surface ;  hind  claws  rather  large,  strongly  curved,  flattened. 

« 

Dimensions. — Male.  Total  length  from  tip  of  nose,  about  nine 
inches ;  extent  of  wings,  about  forty  inches ;  forearm,  five  and  a  half 
inches;  thumb  with  claw,  two  inches;  tarsus,  two  and  a  half  inches; 
longest  toe  with  claw,  nearly  one  and  a  half  inches.     Female  smaller. 

Colors. — Entire  head  gray,  darker  on  the  throat  and  on  the  occiput 
running  into  the  dark  reddish  fulvous  of  the  neck  behind  and  upper 
part  of  the  back.  Other  upper  parts,  from  a  transverse  line  across  the 
back  at  the  insertion  of  the  wings,  dark  chestnut-brown,  the  pilage 
mixed  with  long  yellowish-white  hairs.  Entire  under  parts  dark 
chestnut-brown,  mixed  with  numerous  yellowish  hairs.  Wing-mem- 
branes dark.    Irides  brown. 

Hab. — Samoan  or  Navigator  Islands.      Specimen  in   Nat.  Mus. 
Washington  City. 


This  species  is  nearly  related  to  the  Australian  Pteropua  polioce- 
phdua,  Temminck,  Mon.  Mamm.  II,  p.  66,  figured  by  Gould,  in  Mam- 
mals of  Australia,  I,  PI.  (plates  not  numbered),  but  is  smaller  and 
otherwise  distinct. 

Numerous  specimens  of  the  present  fine  species  are  in  the  collection 
of  the  Expedition,  and  exhibit  but  slight  differences  among  themselves 
in  any  character.    In  this  species  the  fulvous  ring,  which  entirely 


QUADRUMANA. 


encircles  the  neck  in  P.  polwcepkalua,  is  interrupted  in  front  and 
scarcely  apparent,  though  as  strongly  defined  on  the  neck  behind  as 
in  that  well-known  species.    It  is  about  one-third  smaller. 

Mr.  Feale  observes: 

"  This  species  was  first  discovered  in  the  Island  of  Tutuila,  and,  sub- 
sequently,  in  all  the  islands  of  the  Samoan  Group.  We  obtained 
numerous  specimens,  and  found  the  young  animals  somewhat  lighter- 
colored  than  the  old  ones,  but  in  other  respects  there  is  but  little 
variation  in  color  or  size.  It  is  the  least  gregarious  and  most  digrnal 
in  its  habits,  of  any  of  the  genus  which  we  saw ;  they  are  frequently 
abroad  at  noonday,  and  fly  with  the  two  hind  feet  together,  which 
makes  them  appear  to  have  tails.  They  are  very  destructive  to  all 
kinds  of  fruit,  and  are  usually  silent  when  feeding." 

Respecting  this  species,  we  find  the  following  in  Dr.  Pickering's 
journal : 

"Common  eveijy where  in  the  Islands  of  Manua,  Tutuila,  Upolu, 
and  Savai,  and  according  to  report,  very  destructive  to  the  bread- 
fruit. I  have  myself  seen  it  feeding  on  the  Bxpai/a  {Carica  pa- 
2iaya),  for  though  perhaps  essentially  a  nocturnal  animal,  it  is  often 
abroad  by  daylight.  Its  flight  is  then  seen  to  be  very  different  from 
that  of  the  smaller  Cheiroptera,  rather  lofty,  with  slow  flapping  of  the 
wings,  much  like  that  of  a  heron,  and  occasional  short  intervals  of 
sailing.  At  a  distance  a  stranger  would  hardly  distinguish  it  from  a 
large  bird ;  but  on  its  alighting,  the  difference  is  very  striking ; — it 
pitches  over  the  branch  so  as  to  catch  it  with  its  hind  feet,  and,  closing 
its  wings,  swings  suspended  with  its  head  downwards. 

"  I  did  not  examine  the  stomachs  of  any  specimens  of  this  animal,  but 
there  is  reason  to  suppose  that  its  food  is  exclusively  vegetable.  In 
captivity  it  is  exceedingly  ferocious  and  untameable,  and  several  that 
we  had,  died  in  a  short  time.  In  the  evening,  their  quarrelsome 
screams  may  often  be  heard  from  the  tops  of  the  cocoa  trees,  sufficiently 
loud  and  harsh  to  be  quite  disagreeable.  On  one  occasion,  I  witnessed 
a  battle  between  one  of  these  animals  and  a  heron,  which,  however, 
was  soon  decided,  the  latter  abandoning  the  contest." 

Having  access  to  no  specimens  of  Pteropiis  poliocephalua,  and  having 
regarded  it  as  possible  that  the  present  might  be  that  species  in  an 
immature  age,  our  examination  has  been  greatly  facilitated  by  the 
kindness  of  that  accomplished  and  distinguished  naturalist,  John 
Gould,  Esq.,  of  London,  who  most  liberally  and  promptly  supplied 


10 


MAMMALOGY. 


Hpecimens  at  our  request,  and  for  which  we  beg  leave  to  express  our 
deep  sense  of  obligation.  Mr.  Gould's  specimens  enabled  us  to  fully 
determine  the  distinct  character  of  the  present  species  as  above 
described. 


CRANIUM    OF    P.    SAMOENalS. 


2.  Pteropus  keraddrenius,  Quoy  and  Gaimard. 

Pferojms  Jtwaudren,  QuoY  and  Oaim.  Voy.  Uranic,  Mamm.  p.  51  (1824) ;  Voy. 
Uranie,  Atlas,  Zool.  PI.  3. 

There  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  a  single  specimen  which 
appears  to  be  this  species,  though  it  is  lighter  in  color  than  is  repre- 
sented in  the  plate  of  Quoy  and  Gaimard  above  cited,  and  there  is  a 
mixture  of  gray  in  the  pilage  of  the  head  not  mentioned  in  their  descrip- 
tion. We  have,  however,  no  doubt  of  its  identity,  and  have,  conse- 
quently, given  it  the  present  name  without  hesitation.  It  was 
obtained  in  the  Feejee  Islands. 

Of  this  species,  Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  We  found  a  species  of  bat  very  common  at  the  Feejee  Islands, 
which  agrees  with  the  descriptions  above  quoted ; — the  native  name 
is  '  Beka,'  which  is  also  the  name  of  a  closely  allied  species  inhabiting 
the  Island  of  Tongatabu. 

"  In  habits  and  strong  odor,  nearly  all  the  species  of  this  genus  are 
alike.  Any  of  them  may  be  discovered  by  the  odor  emitted  as  they 
hang  pendant  from  the  high  branches  of  the  trees  in  humid  forests, 
this  included,  although  it  is  not  thought  to  be  so  disagreeably  strong 
as  that  of  the  Island  of  Tongatabu." 


3.  Pteropus  macklotii,  Temmimk. 

Piei-opus  macklotii,  Temm.  Mon.  Mamm.  II,  p.  09,  I'l.  XXXV,  fig.  5,  head  (1835  to 
18  H). 


QUADRUMANA. 


11 


Pleropm  voet/erut,  Pkalk,*  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Vincennes,  Quadrupeds,  p.  10 
(Ist  ed.  1848). 

Though  very  considerable  difficulties  present  themselves  in  the  in- 
vestigation of  the  animals  of  this  genus,  we  have  no  doubt  of  the 
identity  of  the  species  as  above  referred  to. 

In  allusion  to  this  bat,  Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"At  the  Island  of  Mungsi,  in  the  Straits  of  Balabac,  our  atten- 
tion was  arrested  by  the  constant  screams  ci  this  animal,  which 
sounded  like  the  distress  cry  of  a  Norway  rat,  but  louder,  and  soon 
led  us  to  its  diurnal  resting-places,  which  were  found  to  be  amongst 
the  lofty  roots  of  a  species  of  banyan  or  fig  tree,  fifty  feet  from  the 
ground.  There,  secreted  in  holes  or  sometimes  suspended,  they 
spend  the  day,  not  quietly,  but  in  constant  quarrels,  at  the  season  we 
saw  them,  which  was  in  the  month  of  February,  and  the  strong  odor 
emitted  by  them  was  quite  perceptible  to  us  when  passing  the  trees 
which  they  frequented." 


CRANIUM     OF    P.    MACKI.OTII. 


Mr.  Peale  gives  the  following  in  relation  to  the  habits  and  general 
history  of  the  animals  of  this  genus : 

*  In  the  course  of  a  long  and  laborious  voyage  among  the  islands 
of  the  Pacific  and  Indian  Oceans,  we  had  frequent  opportunities  of 

*  "  Hair  of  the  head,  neck,  and  body,  soft,  woolly,  and  of  a  rufous  brown  color, 
darkest  on  the  sides ;  back,  dark  brown,  the  hair  short,  straight,  and  smooth.  Wings 
gray  in  the  middle,  the  bloodvessels  darker  and  distinctly  visible ;  snout  long,  narrow ; 
the  nostrils  bifurcated ;  cheek-pouches  spacious ;  no  visible  scrotum.     Irides  brown. 

"Total  length  from  the  end  of  the  nose  to  the  unus,  eight  inches ;  extent  of  the  wings, 
thirty-four  and  a  half  inches ;  forearm,  four  and  seven-tenths  inches ;  thumb,  including 
the  nail,  two  and  three-tenths  inches;  nail,  seven-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  ear,  one  inch  long, 
three-quarters  of  an  inch  wide.     Male. 

"Dental  formula:  incisors,  | ;  canines,  | ;  molars,  jS  =  34."     (Peale,  as  above.) 


12 


MAMMALOaY. 


becoming  familinr  with  some  of  the  bats  belonging  to  the  genus  Ptero- 
pus  (Roussettes  of  the  French  naturalists).  In  the  Friendly,  Feejee^ 
and  Samoan  or  Navigator's  Islands,  they  are  numerous,  each  group 
having  its  peculiar  species.  Their  spectral  appearance  is  one  of  the 
characteristics  in  the  wild  and  varied  scenery ;  their  strong  odor  taints 
the  atmosphere  of  the  otherwise  fragrant  forests,  and  will  always  be 
remembered  by  persons  who  have  visited  their  native  haunts. 

"  The  Pteropi  nre  all  more  or  less  gregarious,  most  active  in  twilight, 
and  when  at  rest,  hang  from  the  branches  of  trees  with  their  heads 
downwards,  using  their  wings  as  cloaks  to  shelter  their  bodies  from 
the  wind,  rain,  or  sun.  When  they  fly,  as  they  have  no  interfemoral 
membrane,  they  hold  their  two  hind  feet  together,  which  makes  them 
appear  to  have  a  tail.  They  climb  with  great  facility  along  the  under 
side  of  the  branches,  and  are  very  destructive  to  both  wild  and  culti- 
vated fruits,  tasting  and  rejecting  until  the  ripest  and  best  are  found. 
We  never  heard  any  species  accused  of  destroying  animal  life. 
The  species  of  Australia  are  migratory,  being  seen  only  in  those 
seasons  when  peaches  and  other  fruits  are  ripe  and  abundant,  but  of 
them  we  did  not  obtain  specimens. 

"  At  Singapore,  we  obtained  some  skins  from  the  Malay  peninsula, 
which  are  supposed  to  be  P.  javanicus,  Desmarest,  or  P.  edulis,  Cuvier. 
They  have  a  very  small  false  molar  tooth  in  the  upper  jaw,  which,  it 
seems,  has  not  been  observed  in  the  specimens  from  the  Island  of  Java. 
A  specimen  from  that  island  was  kept  alive  in  the  Philadelphia 
Museum  for  several  years.  It  was  perfectly  tame  and  gentle  towards 
persons  whom  it  knew,  but  disliked  strangers.  During  the  voyage 
from  Batavia  to  Philadelphia,  it  was  fed  on  boiled  rice  sweetened 
with  sugar,  and  on  its  arrival  at  the  Museum,  eat  every  kind  of  fruit 
that  happened  to  be  in  season,  and  once  in  a  while  was  indulged  in 
picking  the  bones  of  a  boiled  fowl,  which  it  did  with  avidity.  It  was 
always  most  active  in  the  morning  and  evening,  and  slept  at  noon  and 
midnight,  never  resting  in  any  other  position  than  with  its  head  down- 
wards, hanging  by  its  hind  feet." 


F  £  K  i£> 


18 


2.  Ordea  FER^. — Rapacious  Quadrupeds. — Beasts  of  Prey. 

1.  Familt  URSIDiE.— Bears. 
1.  Gknus  URSU8,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  69  (1766). 


1.  Ursus  HORRiBiLis,  Ord. — The  Grizzly  Bear. 

Ursxu  korribilii,  Ord,  Guthrie's  Oeog.  11,  p.  291  (1815)  ;  Say,  Long's  Exp.  II,  p. 
52  (1828). 

Ursua  cinereus,  Debmar.  MaDim.  p.  165  (1820). 

Unui  candescens,  H.  Smith,  Griff.  Cuv.  II,  p.  229,  V,  No.  320  (1826). 
"  Urtusferox,  Lewis  and  Clarke,"  Ricbardson,  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  I,  p.  24. 

Faun.  Bor.  Am.  I,  Plate  I.  Aud.  and  Bach.  Quad,  of  N.  A.  Plate 
CXXXI;  oct.  ed.  II,  Plate  CXXXI. 

This  powerful  and  formidable  animal,  comparatively  well  known 
since  the  possession  by  the  United  States  of  California  and  Oregon, 
is  frequently  alluded  to  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition.  Their 
notes  now  to  be  given  possess  high  interest  as  contributions  to  the 
history  of  this  species. 

We  find  in  the  journal  of  Dr.  Pickering,  several  allusions  to  this 
animal,  from  which  we  introduce  the  following : 

"  According  to  Dr.  Marsh,  the  Grizzly  Bear  is  the  only  species  found 
here,  but  the  Black  Bear  of  the  United  States  is  occasionally  met  with 
in  some  parts  of  New  Mexico,  where  the  skin  is  highly  prized.  The 
food  of  the  California  Indians  is  almost  the  same  as  that  of  the  bear, 
and  varies  with  the  season  in  the  same  manner.  Skins  are  sometimes 
seen  nearly  or  fully  as  lar^e  as  that  of  an  ox.  One  lassoed,  dragged 
three  horses. 

''  Sometimes,  it  is  said,  this  animal  will  not  kill  a  man  even  after 
he  is  entirely  in  its  power.  Dr.  Marsh  states  that  it  will  rarely  attack 
unless  encountered  unexpectedly  in  the  brush.  An  anecdote  is  told 
of  one  which  had  seized  a  man  and  covered  him  with  brush  and  leaves, 
only  patting  him  down  and  covering  him  again  as  he  attempted  to 
rise,  and  after  watching  him  awhile,  finally  went  away,  much  to  the 

4 


14 


MAMMALOGY. 


gratification  of  the  prisoner.  It  is  a  mistake  to  suppose  that  this 
bear  does  not  climb,  though  apparently  not  very  expert  at  it.  It 
ascends  the  oaks  in  search  of  acorns,  and  will  sometimes  break  off 
large  branches.  Dr.  Marsh  does  not  consider  it  by  any  means  a 
dangerous  animal,  though  possessing  such  great  strength.  The  gait 
of  the  individual  seen  by  myself  was  exceedingly  clumsy,  and  well 
justified  the  common  proverb,  yet  it  made  out  to  get  over  the  ground 
with  considerable  rapidity.  Sometimes,  it  is  said,  three,  four,  or  a 
larger  number  are  seen  feeding  together  like  so  many  horses. 

'*  No  one,  it  is  confidently  asserted,  has  ever  seen  a  gravid  female 
bear,  and  the  young  are  unusually  small  in  proportion  to  the  si/e  of 
the  adult  animal.  Formerly,  according  to  Dr.  Marsh,  the  Grizzly 
Bear  was  very  abundant  in  California,  so  much  so,  that  it  was  to  be 
found  in  almost  every  valley ;  and  in  travelling,  the  Indians  kept  on 
the  hills  and  other  high  ground,  very  carefully  avoiding  the  favorite 
resorts  of  this  animal. 

"  This  bear  feeds  on  acorns  and  other  fruits,  and  is  said  also  to  dig 
up  the  roots  of  the  Tula  (Scirinis  lacustris).  It  is  also  said  to  feed  at 
times  on  grass." 

Mr.  Peale's  observations  on  this  animal  are  as  follows : 

"  It  is  curious  that  this  animal  should  not  be  found  on  the  Columbia 
River  near  its  mouth.  In  our  journey  south  through  Oregon,  the  first 
seen  were  on  the  Umpqua  River,  from  which  they  seemed  to  increase 
in  numbers  until  we  arrived  in  California.  Six  were  killed  in  one  day 
by  our  hunters  as  we  descended  the  Sacramento  River,  although  their 
meat  was  not  wanted ;  elk,  deer,  and  antelopes  being  plentiful  and 
affording  much  better  food,  unless  the  bear  is  very  fat,  which  was  not 
then  the  case.  This  destruction  arose  from  a  dislike  to  the  animal 
justly  considered  the  most  dangerous  on  the  continent. 

"  The  principal  food  of  the  Grizzly  Bear  in  California,  is  acorns, 
which  are  abundant  and  appear  to  be  very  nutritious ;  the  Indians 
subsisting  in  a  great  measure  on  the  same  kind  of  food.  Both  Indians 
and  bears  ascend  the  trees  to  thrash  down  the  acorns,  which  is  about 
as  effectually  done  by  the  one  as  the  other.  From  the  accounts  of  pre- 
vious travellers,  it  has  been  supposed  that  the  Grizzly  Bear  could  not 
climb :  it  will  not  perhaps  attack  a  |)erson  who  has  retreated  for  safety 
to  a  tree,  but  it  certainly  does  sometimes  climb  and  shakes  the  acorns 
from  the  trees,  as  we  had  frequent  opportunities  of  witnessing  the 
traces  of  destruction  left,  and  there  is  little  difficulty  in  distinguishing 


F  E  R  ^. 


16 


the  tracks  of  this  species  from  those  of  the  Blacic  Bear  (Uraua  ameri- 
caniM),  which  is  said  to  inhabit  the  same  country ." 


2.  Grnu8  MELES,  Bnu.  Hbg.  Animal  (17A6). 

1.  Meles  labraooria  {Omelin). — Th9  American  Badger. 
Urtui  labradoriuB,  Qm.  Sygt.  Nat.  I,  p.  102  (1788). 
Aud.  and  Bach.  Quad,  of  N.  A.  Plate  XLVII;  oct.  ed.  I,  Plate  XL VII. 

Apparently  a  common  animal  of  Oregon,  though  we  have  not  the 
facilities  for  comparing  specimens  from  the  western  and  northern 
regions  of  the  American  continent.  We  find  no  specimens  in  the 
collection  of  the  Expedition,  and  it  is  alluded  to  only  in  the  journal 
of  Dr.  Pickering. 

Dr.  Pickering  gives  the  following  interesting  note  on  this  species, 
under  date  of  7th  of  September,  1841 : 

"  This  day  while  on  a  short  excursion  alone,  I  fell  in  with  a  badger 
about  sunset.  It  retreated  across  some  marshy  ground,  and  I  fired  at 
it  without  effect.  After  passing  over  some  hills  for  about  one-third  of 
a  mile,  it  turned  and  made  a  stand,  and  I  thought  would  allow  me  to 
approach,  but  as  I  came  near,  it  bristled  up,  yet  made  no  threatening 
demonstrations  and  retreated  backwards  into  its  burrow,  keeping  just 
at  a  sufficient  distance  to  be  out  of  my  reach.  I  now  in  my  turn 
feigned  a  retreat,  when  it  immediately  came  out  again  a  few  yards, 
affording  another  opportunity  of  a  shot,  but  at  too  great  a  distance, 
and  whether  injured  or  not  it  regained  its  burrow  and  did  not  again 
appear.  It  uttered  no  cry  whatever,  and  was  bo  slow  in  its  move- 
ments that  I  found  no  difficulty  in  closely  pursuing  it,  though  over 
unfavorable  ground. 

"  Curiosity  to  observe  the  strange  intruder  on  its  solitary  haunts, 
was  evidently  the  motive  that  had  wellnigh  drawn  this  animal  to 
destruction  ;  and  I  have  had  frequent  opportunities  of  observing  that 
the  same  indication  of  intelligence  is  much  more  strikingly  exhibited 
by  the  Mammalia  in  general  (even  in  the  Cetacea  and  Phocidce),  than 
in  the  other  classes  of  the  animal  kingdom. 

"  The  white  stripe  down  the  middle  of  the  face  was  very  conspi- 


16 


MAMMALOGY. 


CU0U8  in  this  specimen,  but  its  color  seemed  more  brown  than  I  re- 
membered to  have  seen  in  skins  at  home,  and  more  resembling  the 
color  of  the  Ardomys  empetra.  When  the  animal  bristled  up,  the  hair 
on  the  shoulders  and  adjoining  parts  stood  out  laterally.  Dr.  Marsh 
confirms  Richardson's  account  of  the  difficulty  of  drawing  this  animal 
out  of  its  burrow,  and  states  that  unless  quite  dead  it  is  almost  impos- 
sible." 


2.  Family  CANID^.— The  Dogs.— The  Wolves- 
1.  Gencs  lupus,  Sicaini-on,  Cab.  Cy.  Quad.  p.  360  (1850). 

1.  Lupus  gigas,  Toivnsend. — The  Buffalo  Wolf. 
Lupus  ffiffas,  TowNSEND,  Jour.  Acad.  Philad.  Quarto,  II,  p.  75  (1835). 
Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  III,  Fig.  1.    Adult. 

This  wolf  is  described  by  Dr.  Townsend,  as  a  distinct  species,  as 
above,  and  apparently  with  entire  propriety.  It  is  larger  than  the 
common  wolf  of  North  America  {L.  occidentalis),  and  is,  we  believe, 
the  largest  species  of  the  genus  Lupus. 

This  species  is  regarded  by  Mr.  Peale  as  identical  with  L.  occkleri' 
talis,  and  also  by  Audubon  and  Bachman,  in  Quadrupeds  of  North 
America,  III,  p.  281  (octavo  edition  III,  p.  279; ;  but  its  characters 
are  too  constant  and  strongly  marked  to  justify  the  supposition  that 
they  are  merely  those  of  a  variety,  or  derived  from  unusually  large 
specimens  of  that  species.  That  it  is  a  distinct  and  comparatively 
well  marked  species,  is  the  opinion  of  nearly  all  American  naturalists ; 
amongst  whom  we  have  much  satisfaction  in  designating  Col.  George 
A.  McCall,  late  Inspector-General  in  the  '^Jnited  States  Army,  whose 
ample  opportunities  for  observing  this  wolf  in  its  native  wilds,  and 
whose  accurate  scientific  knowledge,  render  his  conclusion  of  especial 
value.  Col.  McCall's  observations  on  this  species,  are  published  in 
both  editions  of  Audubon  and  Bachman's  Quadrupeds  of  North 
America  as  above  cited,  and  with  Dr.  Townsend's  paper  in  the  Jour- 
nal of  the  Piiiladelphia  Academy,  and  Mr.  Peale's  observations  given 
below,  embrace  the  history  of  this  species,  so  far  as  has  yet  been  given 
by  naturalists. 


FER^. 


17 


The  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Exploring  Expedition  is  not 
so  large  as  Dr.  Townsend's  specimens  in  the  Museum  of  the  Phila- 
delphia Academy,  but  is  clearly  the  same  animal.  Like  the  common 
wolf  of  North  America,  this  species  varies  much  in  color  and  presents 
nearly  similar  differences  in  specimens. 

Mr.  Peale's  description  and  remarks  which  we  regard  as  rf^lating  to 
this  species,  are  as  follows : 

"  The  size  is  greater  than  that  of  the  Pyrenean  Wolf,  which  it  re- 
sembles. General  color,  brown ;  fur  beneath  the  hair,  cinereous.  Nose, 
back  of  the  ears,  front  of  the  legs,  and  sides  of  the  tail,  ferruginous ; 
throat  and  abdomen,  cinereous ;  cheeks,  light  yellowish-gray ;  forehead, 
darker  gray ;  the  hairs  black,  with  a  white  bar  nearest  the  roots ;  nape, 
pale  ferruginous  gray ;  hairs  of  the  back,  white  one-third  of  their  length 
from  their  roots,  the  rest  black,  with  an  obscure  fulvous  bar ;  tail, 
very  dark  above,  and  black  at  the  tip,  ferruginous  beneath,  paler  on 
the  sides;  terminal  hairs  white  at  the  roots,  the  rest  glossy  black. 
Fore  legs  tawny,  in  front  ferruginous,  with  a  narrow  black  line ;  under 
part  of  feet  and  .:laws,  blue-black;  the  nails  short  and  but  slightly 
bent.  Hind  legs  and  feet  less  robust;  the  flanks  ferruginous ;  whiskers 
sparse,  black.  Ears  lined  with  cinereous  hair.  Teeth,  large  and 
strong;  the  two  middle  incisors  of  the  upper  jaw,  trilobate;  two  outer 
incisors  of  the  lower  jaw,  bilobate." 

"  Total  length  (dried  skin),  five  feet  two  inches;  tail,  one  foot  eight 
inches ;  from  the  end  of  the  nose  to  the  eye,  four  and  three-quarter 
inches ;  nose  to  ear,  nine  and  a  half  inches ;  ear,  four  and  a  half  inches ; 
terminal  hairs  of  the  tail,  five  inches ;  claws  of  the  fore  feet,  nine- 
tenths  of  an  inch;  spurious  (thumb)  nail,  more  curved,  eight-tenths 
of  an  inch;  claws  of  the  hind  feet,  one  inch;  between  the  front 
angles  of  the  ears,  three  and  a  half  inches ;  upper  canine  teeth,  one 
and  two-tenths  of  an  inch ;  lower  canine  teeth,  one  inch." 

"  The  drawing  for  Plate  III,  was  taken  from  a  specimen  obtained 
at  Puget  Sound,  Oregon.  It  had  killed  a  calf  by  a  single  bite  which 
had  divided  its  spine,  and  was  subsequently  poisoned  with  strychnia 
or;  its  return  to  devour  the  victim.  Figure  2,  on  the  same  plate,  was 
drawn  from  a  living  animal  taken  when  young  in  North  Carolina ; 
both  specimens  were  about  the  same  size,  and,  notwithstanding  the 
wide  difference  in  locality  (the  entire  continent  of  North  America, 
from  northwest  to  southeast),  few  persons,  we  believe,  could  distin- 
guish one  from  the  other," 

6 


•      * 


18 


MAMMALOGY. 


As  we  have  said  above,  Dr.  Townsend's  specimens  are  the  larger, 
but  they  preserve  precisely  the  characters  of  those  in  the  collection  of 
the  Expedition.  All  naturalists,  except  Mr.  Peale,  who  have  seen 
this  animal  in  its  native  wilds,  coincide  in  the  conclusion  that  it  is  a 
species  entirely  distinct  from  the  common  Wolf  of  North  America. 


CKAXICM    OF    LUPUS    OICAS, 


2.  Lupus  occidentalis  (Richardsm). — The  Common  Wolf  of 

North  America. 

Cania  IvpuB  occidentalis,  Rich.  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  Mamm.  p.  CO  (1829). 

Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  III,  Fig.  2.     Adult. 

This  well-known  species  is  frequently  alluded  to  by  the  nf'turalists 
of  the  Expedition,  as  occurring  at  various  points  in  Oregon  and  Cali- 
fornia. It  apparently  inhabits  the  whole  of  the  temperate  regions  of 
North  America.  Though,  like  its  congener  of  the  old  world,  present- 
ing much  variety  in  color,  no  reliable  characters  of  more  than  one 
species  appear  to  have  been  determined  by  naturalists. 

In  color  and  general  appearance  this  wolf  much  resembles  the  pre- 
ceding, the  most  obvious  difference  being  the  greater  size  of  the  latter. 

The  relative  size  of  the  two  species  may  be  readily  perceived  from 
the  cuts  of  the  crania  here  given. 


CKANUM     OK     1,1   IMS    OCC  I  1)  K  N  T  A  1. 1  !i. 


F  E  R  ^> 


19 


8.  Lupus  ochropus  [Eschsch.). — The  Coyote. — The  Western 

Prairie  Wolf. 


Canis  ochropuK,  EscHSOHOtTZ,  Zool.  Atlas,  PI.  Ill,  p.  1  (1829), 
Zi/ciscu»  cn</(>tti»,  Smith,  Nat.  Lib.  Mamm.  IX,  p.  164  (1839). 
Canis  Intra m,  Say  ? 

Eschsch.  Zool.  Atlas,  Plate  II.  Nat.  Lib.  Mamra,  IX,  Plate  VI. 
Voy.  Sulphur,  Zool.  Mamm.  Plate  X. 

This  is  the  Coyote,  or  Prairie  Wolf  of  the  countries  wes'.  of  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  and  is  recognized  by  much  the  majority  of  late 
authors  as  a  species  distinct  from  the  Lupiis  latrans  (Say),  or  Prairie 
Wolf  of  the  countries  ori  the  eastern  slope  of  the  great  mountain  range 
that  we  have  just  mentioned. 

The  characters  distinguishing  the  several  re.al  or  supposed  species  of 
the  wolves  of  North  America,  are  apparently  very  obscure  and  unre- 
liable, and  certainly  not  agreed  on  by  naturalists.  The  diversity  of 
opinion  is  so  considerable  as  to  be  quite  perplexing  to  one  who  is  com- 
pelled to  treat  the  subject  gravely,  and  adopt  a  name  peremptorily  for 
a  species  before  him.  The  late  Dr.  Samuel  George  Morton,  a  profound 
and  most  indefatigable  naturalist,  entertained  an  opinion  that  there 
were  numerous  species  of  wolves  in  North  America,  several  of  which 
had  escaped  the  attention  of  zoologists ;  in  which  he  coincided  with  the 
views  of  various  other  writers.  As  an  offset  to  that  opinion,  we  here 
record  the  fact  that,  within  the  hour  of  writing  this,  we  have  had  a 
conversation  with  one  of  the  most  accomplished  naturalists*  in 
America,  and  quite  as  well  acquainted  with  American  quadrupeds  as 
Dr.  Morton  or  any  one  else,  in  which  he  exprenwed  a  conviction  that 
all  the  North  American  Wolves  are  varieties  only  of  two  species. 

There  is,  perhaps,  in  the  Zoology  of  North  America,  no  greater 
difficulty  than  in  determining  ihe  species,  if  such  they  are,  of  the 
wolves.  Whether  that  now  before  us  is  identical  with  the  Canis 
hitrans  of  Say,  or  not,  we  shall  not  at  present  venture  to  decide ;  pre- 
ferring, however,  to  give  it  as  recognized  by  nearly  all  naturalists,  as 
a  distinct  species.  It  is,  nevertheless,  certainly  nearly  allied  to  that 
animal,  and  may  be  identical  specifically,  but  a  marked  variety. 

The  naturalists  of  the  Exploring  Expedition  differ  in  regard  to  the 
*  Miijor  John  Lcconte,  late  of  the  United  State.i  Army. 


20 


MAMMALOGY. 


MP 


point  to  which  we  have  alluded.  Dr.  Pickering  regards  the  animal  of 
Oregon  and  California  now  before  us,  as  specifically  distinct  from  the 
Canis  latmns,  but  expresses  a  suspicion  that  it  may  be  the  young  of 
the  common  wolf  {Lupxts  occidentalis) .  He  first  mentions  it  at  Puget 
Sound,  under  date  of  21st  of  July,  1841 : 

"A  third  species,  apparently  of  Lupus,  is  found  here,  and  of  which 
I  have  seen  skins.  It  is  called  here  *  the  Prairie  Wolf,'  but  is  not  the 
species  usually  meant  by  that  name  {Lupus  latrans).  Its  colors  are 
much  the  same  as  in  the  large  wolf,  of  which  it  may  be  the  young." 

Under  date  of  22d  of  August,  at  which  time  a  party  to  which  he 
was  attached  from  the  Expedition  were  engaged  in  a  boat  voyage  up 
the  Sacramento  River,  he  says  : 

"  A  specimen  of  the  Coyote  was  shot  to-day  by  Mr.  Hammersly.  It 
is  verj'  similar  to  the  small  wolf  of  Oregon,  but  the  head  in  this  speci- 
men appears  to  be  longer  and  the  snout  more  pointed.  The  colors 
are  very  nearly  the  same,  the  tail  reaches  a  little  below  the  joint  of 
the  tibia  and  tarsus,  and  is  blackish  at  the  tip.  The  voice  of  this 
animal  is  a  bark,  very  m<ich  like  that  of  a  dog,  and  also  a  prolonged 
howl.     It  is  certainly  not  the  same  as  the  Lupus  latrans." 

Subsequently,  we  find  in  the  journal  of  Dr.  Pickering  : 

"  The  Coyote,  I  am  assured  by.  Dr.  Marsh,  is  the  same  animal  as 
that  of  the  Upper  Mississippi,  and  inhabits  the  entire  intermediate 
country  to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  but  he  thinks  it  not  the  same  as  the 
Prairie  Wolf  of  more  southern  states  on  the  same  river." 

Mr.  Peale  regards  the  animal  of  Oregon  and  California  as  identical 
with  Cunis  latrans.  Say,  under  which  name  he  thus  alludes  to  it : 

"  In  Oregon,  we  saw  this  wolf  wherever  the  country  partook  of  a 
'  prairie'  character,  or  in  other  words,  where  the  forests  were  not  ex- 
tensive; but  it  is  not  so  abundant  there  as  in  the  Buffalo  country 
east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  As  we  journeyed  south  into  Cali- 
fornia, following  the  waters  of  the  Sacramento  River,  we  found  it 
increasing  in  numbers.  In  California,  thousands  of  cattle  are  annually 
slaughtered  for  their  skins  and  tallow  only,  the  bodies  of  which  are 
left  for  the  vultures  and  Coyotes,  and  as  a  consequence  of  food  in 
plenty  with  but  trifling  molestation,  these  wolves  have  multiplied 
and  have  become  very  bold  thieves.  They  frequently  entered  our 
camp  at  night  and  stole  venison,  geese,  or  whatever  food  was  left 
within  their  reach,  and  on  one  occasion,  they  carried  off  a  Grizzly 
Bear's  skin  from  the  door  of  a  tent  in  front  of  a  fire.     They  are  very 


FEE  Jil. 


21 


cowardly,  always  running  from  dogs,  few  however  of  which  will  attack 
them. 

"  The  Prairie  Wolf  varies  greatly,  both  in  size  and  color,  but  its 
jackal-like  voice,  half  bark,  half  howl,  sometimes  approaching  a 
scream,  is  so  different  from  that  of  the  rest  of  the  North  American 
Wolves,  that  most  persons  would  recognize  it  as  the  same,  whether 
heard  on  the  plains  of  the  Missouri,  or  the  pastures  of  California." 


CRANIUM  OF  LCPUa  OCHBOPUS. 


2.  Genus  VULPES,  Briss.  Ubg.  Anim.  (1756).— The  Foxes. 
1.  VuLPES  VIRGINIANUS  (Schreb.). — The  Gray  Fox. 

Cants  virginianus,  Schreber,  Saugth.  Ill,  p.  585  (1778).  « 

Aud.  Quad,  of  N.  A.  Plate  XXI;  oct.  ed.  I,  Plate  XXI. 

This  animal  appears  to  be  abundant  in  Western  America,  being 
brought  in  nearly  all  collections  made  in  that  part  of  this  continent. 
We  find  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  several  fine  specimens 
which  cannot  be  distinguished  from  others  obtained  in  the  Southern 
States,  on  the  Atlantic.  This  species,  therefore,  appears  to  inhabit 
nearly  the  entire  temperate  regions  of  North  America,  extending  its 
range,  as  is  not  unfrequently  the  case  with  species  of  quadrupeds, 
and  birds  also,  farther  north  on  the  Pacific  than  on  the  Atlantic. 

Mr.  Peale  mentions  this  species  as  follows : 

"  This  animal  was  obtained  at  Puget's  Sound,  in  Oregon,  and  was 
observed  several  times  in  the  forests  which  lay  in  our  route  to  Cali- 
fornia, but  never  in  the  prairie  country." 


2.  VuLPES  VELOX  {Say), — The  Swift  Fox. 
Canit  velox,  Say,  Long's  Exp.  II,  p.  339  (1823). 


.# 


22  MAMMALOGY. 

Aud.  Quad,  of  N.  a.  Plate  LII ;  oct.  ed.  II,  Plate  LII. 

Noticed  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  as  occurring  in  Oregon. 

Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  At  Fort  Vancouver,  on  the  Columbia  River,  we  saw  the  skins  of 
this  animal  which  were  there  considered  uncommon.  Further  south 
ou  our  journey  to  California,  we  had  several  opportunities  of  seeing 
it.  The  burrows  of  this  species  are  always  in  the  prairies  and  never 
in  the  forest  or  '  brush,'  like  those  of  the  preceding  or  Gray  Fox." 


a; 

i 


3.  VuLPES  MAGELLANicus  {Gray). 
Canis  mageUanicm,  Gray,  Proc.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1836,  p.  88. 
Voy.  Beagle,  Zool.  Mamm.  Plate  V. 

This  largo  species,  though  but  recently  known  to  naturalists,  is 
peculiar  to  the  southern  and  western  countries  of  South  America,  and 
is  remarkable  not  only  for  its  larger  size  than  is  usually  met  with  in 
this  genus,  but  for  its  apparent  fearlessness  of  man.  It  is  stated  by 
Molina,  in  Nat.  Hist,  of  Chili,  that  it  will  run  boldly  towards  a  man, 
stopping  within  a  short  distance  and  surveying  him  leisurfely.  Speci- 
mens from  Tierra  del  Fuego  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition ; 
and  others  from  Chili  are  also  in  the  National  Museum,  collected  by 
Lieutenant  Gilliss,  during  the  stay  in  that  country  of  the  United 
States  Astronomical  Expedition,  under  his  command.  Dr.  Pickering 
mentions  this  animal  at  Tierra  del  Fuego,  in  February,  1839 : 

"  This  fox  is  not  uncommon.  One  was  seen  by  myself,  and  others 
by  several  members  of  our  party.  Several  specimens  have  been 
obtained ;  one  of  which  showed  considerable  boldness,  in  attacking  a 
seaman  of  the  crew  of  the  Vincennes,  as  he  was  carrying  wood.  This 
animal  looks  something  like  the  figures  of  the  Prairie  Wolf,  and 
appears  to  present  somewhat  more  of  the  habits  of  the  wolves  than 
of  the  foxes." 


\m 


PERM. 


23 


3,  Family  SORECIDiE.— The  Shrews.— The  Moles. 
1.  Genus  SCALOPS,  Cuvier,  Beg.  An,  I,  p.  134  (1817). 

1.  ScALOPS  ^NEUS,  Casaiu. 

Smlops  census,  Cassin,  Proc.  Acad.  Philad.  VI,  p.  299  (February,  1853), 

Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  VIII,  Fig.  3.     Adiilt. 

S.  aqualico  cequalis.  Gaslaneo-ceneua  nitens,  vertice  satnratiore,  nam 
fusco,  pedibus  h'unneia,  unguiculis  phalangiqiie  ultimo  nigris. 

Form. — About  the  size  of  S.  aquaticua  ;  nose  long,  pointed ;  claws  of 
fore  feet  very  strong ;  tail  moderate,  or  rather  small ;  fur  thick,  com- 
pact. Upper  jaw,  after  the  two  incisors,  with  seven  false  molars  on 
each  side,  which  are  pointed  and  nearly  equal,  except  the  last,  which 
is  double  the  size  of  either  of  the  others  and  has  a  small  exterior 
basal  lobe.  Molars  three ;  the  first,  with  four  external  lobes,  the 
anterior  being  very  small ;  the  second,  large  and  pointed ;  the  third 
short,  blunt  and  deeply  emarginate ;  the  fourth  lobe  also  blunt  and 
short.  Besides  these,  the  first  molar  has  one  interior  and  one  pos- 
terior lobe ;  second  molar  with  three  short  external  lobes,  the  inter- 
mediate one  emarginate ;  third  molar  with  two  short  external  lobes, 
the  posterior  one  emarginate,  and  two  interior  and  one  posterior  lobe. 
Lower  jaw  with  two  incisors  on  each  side,  the  anterior  of  which  is 
the  shorter ;  these  are  followed  by  six  false  molars,  which  are  pointed 
and  nearly  equal  in  size,  except  the  last,  which  is  larger,  and  fur- 
nished with  a  minute  posterior  lobe  at  its  base.  Molars  three,  each 
deeply  sulcate  on  the  external  surface,  and  composed  of  two  large 
external  lobes  and  three  smaller  and  shorter  internal  lobes. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  specimen  in  spirits),  about  five 
inches ;  head,  two  inches ;  lore  foot,  one  and  one-eighth  of  an  inch ; 
hind  foot,  one  and  a  half  inches ;  tail,  one  and  a  quarter  inches;  first 
and  fifth  toes  of  fore  foot  equal ;  second,  shorter;  first  and  fifth  toes  of 
the  hind  foot  equal ;  other  three  nearly  equal  to  each  other. 


24 


MAMMALOGY. 


m 


Colors.— Entirely  shining  brassy-brown,  very  glossy,  and  in  some 
lights  appearing  to  be  almost  metallic ;  darker  on  the  top  of  the  head, 
and  lighter  and  more  obscure  on  the  chin  and  throat ;  nose  dusky ; 
feet  brownish ;  nails  and  last  joint  of  the  toes  black  ;  palms  dusky ; 
Boles  of  the  hind  feet  dark-brown ;  tail  light-brown,  thinly  furnished 
with  scattering  hairs. 

Hab. — Oregon.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

This  is  the  most  beautiful  species  of  mole  yet  discovered  in  America, 
and  is  colored  differently  from  any  other  with  which  we  are  acquainted. 
The  entire  pilage  is  of  the  richest  silky-brown,  presenting  a  gloss  or 
lustre  rarely  observed  in  such  a  high  degree  in  quadrupeds.  In  its 
dentition  and  other  general  characters,  this  animal  is  a  strict  con- 
gener of  Scalopa  totmwendii,  but  is  smaller  and  not  of  the  same  colors. 
Its  black  claws  are  entirely  peculiar  and  characteristic,  and  afford  a 
character  by  which  it  can  be  always  recognized  with  facility. 

We  find  nothing  recorded  by  the  naturalists  relating  to  the  history 
of  this  interesting  species,  though  the  credit  of  its  discovery  is  due  to 
the  Expedition,  in  the  collection  of  which  the  specimen  yet  remains 
unique,  and  in  good  preservation. 

This  mole  has  no  white  on  the  under  parts  of  the  body  as  in  S. 
townaeiidu,  and  is  smaller  than  that  species. 

• 

2.  ScALOPS  TOWNSENDii,  Bachman. 

Scafops  townsendii,  Bachman,  Journal  Philad.  Acad.  VIII,  p.  58. 

Aud.  and  Bach.  Quad,  of  N.  A.  Plate  CXLV ;  oct.  ed.  Ill,  Plate 
CXLV. 

One  very  fine  and  characteristic  specimen  is  in  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition.  It  was  obtained  in  Oregon,  and  presents  no  characters, 
nor  have  we  any  facts  in  relation  to  this  species,  other  than  have  been 
given  by  the  authors  above  referred  to,  unless,  indeed,  we  may  except 
the  curious  statement  made  by  Mr.  Peale,  that  it  devoured  dried  pcae 
eagerly,  a  habit  quite  unusual  in  an  insectivorous  animal. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  with  reference  to  this  species : 

"  The  provisions  furnished  to  our  party  travelling  from  Oregon  to 
Califoi  'lia,  consisted  in  part  of  peas  and  tallow  ;  the  peas  were  carried 
in  bags,  which  were  suffered  to  lie  on  the  ground  when  we  encamped, 


F  £  R  iu* 


26 


and  were  sometimcB  discovered  by  the  *  Ground  Moles,*  which  were  so 
eager  to  devour  them  that  they  were  easily  captured,  and  proved  to 
be  of  this  species.  They  form  long  burrows  near  the  surface  of  the 
ground,  similar  to  those  of  the  Mole  of  the  eastern  portion  of  our  con* 
tinent  {Scalopa  canadensL) ." 

We  make  this  extract  verhatim  from  Mr.  Peale's  printed  volume 
(p.  30).  Possibly  the  peas  of  our  voyagers  had  become  infested  with 
insects  which  proved  attractive  to  our  handsome  Scalopa,  rather  than 
the  peas  themselves  I 


4.  Family  PHOCIDiE.— The  Seals. 


1.  Genus  LOBODON,  Gray,  Zool.  Voy.  Erebus  and  Terror,  Mammalia,  p.  5  (1844). 


1.  LoBODON  CARCINOPHAGA  {Homh.  et  Jacq.) 

Phoca  carcinophaya,  HoMBRON  and  Jacquinot,  Zool.  Voy.  Astrolabe  and  Zelee, 
Mammalia,  PI.  X  (name  on  plate). 

Slnmrhynchut  serridens,  Owen,  Ann.  and  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.  XII,  p.  831  (1843). 
Halichoerua  antarclicus,  Pealg,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Vincenncs,  Mammalia,  p.  30  (1848).'*' 

A  very  fine  specimen  of  this  species  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Expe- 

*  "  Four  posterior  molar  teeth  in  both  jaws  double-rooted,  their  crowns  many-lobed ; 
canine  teeth,  stout,  curved,  of  a  moderate  length,  and  channelled  on  the  inside ;  cutting- 
teeth,  short,  simple,  curved. 

"  The  general  form  of  the  body,  short  and  full ;  the  forefeet  very  short,  covered  with 
hair  beneath ;  the  five  claws  nearly  equal  in  length  and  thickness,  but  slightly  curved, 
and  reaching  beyond  the  intercarpal  membrane ;  hind  feet  triangular  in  form  when  ex- 
panded ;  nails,  long,  flat,  straight,  middle  one  of  the  five  smallest,  the  outer  ones  largest 
and  nearly  equal  in  size,  all  reach  beyond  the  intertarsal  membranes ;  tail,  flat,  short, 
round,  with  but  a  slight  point  at  the  extremity;  nose,  covered  with  hair,  excepting  a 
very  small  spot  between  the  nostrils,  which  are  situated  in  front  of  the  snout,  and  are 
linear  in  form ;  whiskers  and  tuft  of  bristles  above  the  brow,  large,  flattened,  undulated 
on  the  edges,  and  of  a  pale  yellow  color  or  white.  Hair,  very  stout,  close  set  and  flat, 
the  points  curve  forward  when  dry,  and  give  the  skin  a  velvety  appearance. 

"  Length  from  the  nose  to  the  end  of  the  tail,  four  feet ;  hind  toes  reaching  three  and 
three-quarter  inches  beyond ;  fore  leg,  measured  along  the  front,  four  and  three-tenths 
inches;  nails,  one  and  two-tenths  of  an  inch ;  hind  feet,  measured  from  the  body,  six  inches ; 
outer  nails,  one  and  one-tenth  of  an  inch ;  middle  nails,  seven-eighths  of  an  inch ;  whis- 
kers, four  and  a  half  inches ;  eyebrows,  two  ond  four-tenths  inches. 

"Dental  formula:  incisors,  |;  canine,  |  { ;  molars,  j  J  =  34." 

7 


7G634 


26 


MAMMALOGY. 


dition,  but  the  following  short  note  by  Mr.  Peale  is  our  only  informa- 
tion relating  to  it : 

"  This  species  inhabits  the  Antarctic  Ice.  The  specimen  was  ob- 
tained on  the  10th  of  March,  at  Deception  Island.  It  appears  from 
the  teeth  to  be  an  adult,  and  is  the  most  perfect  specimen  brought 
home  by  the  Expedition." 


2.  Gknus  CYSTOPHORA,  Gray? 

1.  Cystophora, ? 


We  find  in  Dr.  Pickering's  journal,  the  following  notice  of  the  ap- 
pearance of  an  animal  of  this  family,  on  the  coast  of  South  America, 
between  Rio  de  Janeiro  and  the  Rio  Negro.  This  notice  is  of  high 
interest  on  account  of  locality  : 

"1839,  January  20th.  At  nine  a.m.,  a  Seal  appeared  about  the 
bows  of  the  vessel,  easily  keeping  ahead,  and  frequently  coming  to  the 
surface.  Our  distance  from  the  nearest  land  was  one  hundred  and 
thirty-five  miles,  though  the  water  was  green,  as  if  on  soundings. 

"  When  swimming  below  the  surface  this  animal  might  almost  have 
been  mistaken  for  a  Shark,  except  that  its  body  was  much  more  flexi- 
ble in  turning,  and  another  remarkable  difference  was,  that  it  appeared 
to  swim  entirely  by  means  of  its  pectoral  flippers,  the  tail  being  ex- 
tended and  apparently  inactive." 


C  E  T  A  C  E  A. 


27 


3.  Order  CETACEA.— The  Aquatic  Mammals. 

1.  Family  DELPHINIDiE— The  Dolphins.     The  Porpoises. 
1.  Genus  DELPHINUS,  Linn.  8yst.  Nat.  I,  p.  108  (1760).    The  Dolphins. 

1.  Delpuinus  obscurus,  Qray.    Spic.  Zool.  p.  2  (1828). 

DeJpldnus  cruc'ujer,  QuoY  and  Gaim.  Voy.  Urania,  Zool.  p.  87  (1824)  ? 
Be/phinus  bivittatui,  Lesson,  Voy.  Coquillo  Zool.  I,  p.  178  (1826)? 
DtlpUnwt fitzroyii,  Wateriiouse,  Voy.  Beagle,  Mainm.  p.  25  (1840). 
Phoccena  australii,  PeALE,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Mamm.  p.  33  (1848). 

Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  V,  Fig.  1. 

Voy.  Beagle,  Mamm.  Plate  X ;  Voy.  Coquille,  Mamm.  Plate  IX  ? 
Voy.  Uranie,  Mamm.  Plate  XI  ? 

This  species,  which  appears  to  be  an  abundant  animal  of  the  coasts 
of  South  America,  is  stated  by  Mr.  Peale  to  fiave  been  "  harpooned 
in  the  South  Atlantic  Ocean,  off  the  coast  of  Patagonia,  on  the  12th 
of  February."  It  appears  to  be  liable  to  very  considerable  variation 
of  colors,  or  rather  of  the  distribution  and  extent  of  the  white  color  of 
the  under  parts,  and,  consequently,  of  the  dark  of  the  upper  parts  also. 
It  has  been  frequently  described  by  authors,  and  its  correct  nomen- 
clature and  synonymy  would  not,  we  think,  be  ascertained  without 
some  difficulty  and  very  considerable  expenditure  of  time. 

Mr.  Peale's  description  is  as  follows : 

"Snout,  back,  and  all  the  fins,  dark  slate-color;  sides,  paler  or 
gray,  a  white  lateral  line  commences  opposite  the  posterior  edge  of 
the  dorsal  fin  and  reaches  the  tail ;  beneath  white,  which  joins  the 
gray  of  the  sides  by  an  undulated  line. 

"  Total  length,  seven  feet ;  greater  diameter,  opposite  the  dorsal 
fin,  eighteen  inches;  pectoral  fin,  sixteen  inches;  dorsal  fin, seventeen 
inches;  across  the  tail,  twenty  inches. 

"  Dental  formula :  |J,  y,  =  120." 

Had. — South  Atlantic  Ocean,  Coast  of  Patagonia. 


28 


MAMMALOGY. 


.hii 


2.  Delphinus  pectoralis  (Ibale). 

Phocana  pectoraU$,  Peali,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Mamm.  p.  82  (Ist  ed.  1848). 

Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  V,  Fig.  2. 

Coeruleacenti'tiujer,  macula  alba  pectorali  ulrinque  ante  pinnas  pedo- 
rales,  vitta  f^ontali  pallide  purpureo-nigra,  abdomine  pallide  roseo' 
albo.     Lahria  rubeacenti  albo  maryinatis. 

Having  no  specimen,  we  transcribe  Mr.  Peale's  description  of  this 
species : 

"  Color,  blue-black,  a  white  spot  on  each  side  of  the  breast  in  front 
of  the  pectoral  fins ;  a  frontal  band  of  light  slate-color  extends  a  short 
distance  behind  the  eyes ;  vent  and  abdomen,  light  reddish-white ; 
lips,  margined  with  reddish-white. 

"  Total  length,  eight  feet  eight  inches ;  greatest  diameter,  twenty-one 
inches ;  dorsal  fin,  measured  along  the  front  edge,  fourteen  inches ; 
pectoral  fin,  sixteen  inches;  tail,  twenty-five  and  a  half  inches  in 
diameter ;  from  the  end  of  the  snout  to  the  corner  of  the  mouth, 
eleven  and  a  half  inches;  eye,  from  the  end  of  the  snout,  thirteen 
inches. 

"  Dental  formula :  || ',  «| ',  z=  92  ? 

"  Sixty  of  these  animals  were  driven  on  shore  by  the  natives  at 
Ililo  Bay,  Island  of  Hawaii,  at  one  time.  They  were  considered 
dainty  food,  and  yielded  a  valuable  stock  of  oil.  Only  one  lower  jaw 
was  saved  as  a  specimen.  It  is  more  rounded  than  usual  at  the  ex- 
tremity ;  the  teeth  are  stout,  project  outwards,  and  are  worn  nearly 
even  with  the  gums,  showing  that  our  specimen  was  an  old  animal, 
and  probably  of  the  maximum  size." 

Thi.s  species  appears  to  be  related  to  both  D.  ohscunca  and  Z>.  Heavi- 
sidii,  Gray,  and  belongs  to  the  same  subgeneric  group,  if  not  speci- 
fically identical  with  one  or  the  other.  It  more  strongly  resembles 
the  latter,  but  we  have  failed  to  recognize  it  as  a  described  species 
from  the  lower  jaw  above  alluded  to,  and  a  drawing,  from  which  our 
plate  has  been  prepared.  » 


I 


C  E  T  A  C  R  A. 


99 


3.  Delpuinus  albimanus,  Rule.    Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Miunm.  p.  83 

(Ist  ed.  1848). 

Detphinut  nova  ztdandiai,  QuoY  and  Q.viM.  Voy.  Astrolabe,  Mamm.  p.  149  (1830)? 
Atlae,  Mammalogy,  Plate  VI,  Fig.  1. 

This  species  was  captured  by  the  Expedition  on  the  coast  of  Chili. 
Its  locality,  therefore,  is  widely  different  from  that  of  the  species  of 
which  we  have  cited  the  name  provisionally  and  inquiringly  as  a 
eynonyme,  and  which,  as  its  name  implies,  is  from  the  coast  of  New 
Zealand.  We  are,  however,  inclined  to  suspect  that  they  are  identical, 
on  grounds  which  will  be  apparent  on  comparison  of  our  plate  with 
that  in  the  Zoological  Atlas  of  the  Voyage  of  the  Astrolabe,  Manuni- 
f^res,  PI.  XXVITI,  fig.  1,  2,  or  in  Schreber's  Saugthiere,  PI.  CCCLVII. 
Tlie  small  circular  openings  on  the  throat  of  D.  novas  zeelandicv,  repre- 
sented in  the  plate  of  the  Voy.  Astrolabe,  just  cited,  and  particularly 
in  fig.  2,  and  called  "  pores,"  by  Messrs.  Quoy  and  Gaimard,*  we  re- 
gard as  very  probably  the  work  of  a  parasitic  animal  infesting  it.  The 
fact  that  these  orifices  are  placed  with  entire  irregularity  is,  in  our 
opinion,  fatal  to  the  supposition  that  they  are  a  character  of  the 
animal.  Their  absence  in  the  present  species  is  probably  a  considera- 
tion of  no  moment  in  the  question  of  identity.  The  dentition  of  the 
two  species  is  stated  by  their  describers  as  exactly  the  same. 

The  following  are  Mr.  Peale's  description  and  remarks  on  this 
animal : 

"  Snout,  head,  back,  tail,  and  dorsal  fin,  blue-black ;  belly  and  pec- 
toral fin,  white ;  sides,  pale  tawny ;  eye,  small,  brown,  and  surrounded 
with  a  black  ring  which  joins  the  black  of  the  snout ;  body,  between 
the  dorsal  fin  and  tail,  very  much  compressed. 

"  Total  length,  six  feet  six  inches ;  snout,  five  and  three-quarter 
inches ;  dorsal  fin,  measured  along  the  front  edge,  nine  and  a  half 
inches ;  along  the  posterior  edge,  nine  inches ;  tail,  six  inches  long, 
sixteen  and  a  half  wide ;  pectoral  fin,  eleven  and  a  half  inches  long, 
four  inches  wide ;  from  the  end  of  the  snout  to  the  eye,  twelve  inches ; 

*  "  On  rcmarque,  sous  la  mdchoire  infereieure,  des  jwres  formant  de  petits  anneaux ; 
et  sur  le  corps,  do  pctites  plaques  de  stries  blanokes  assez  rcgulierement  contourDees." 
Voy.  Astrolabe,  Mamm.  p.  150. 

8 


80 


MAMMALOGY. 


body,  six  inches;  above  the  tail,  Avhen  most  compressecl,  one  and  a 
half  inches  wide ;  circumference  in  front  of  dorsal  fin,  forty  and  a  half 
inches. 

"Dental  formula:  ^ I,  ^?,  =  180. 

"  Weight  estimated  to  be  150  pounds. 

"  The  specimen  was  a  female.  Its  uterus  contained  a  single  foetus, 
wliich  was  a  male,  of  a  reddish  flesh  color,  and  about  nine  inches  long. 
The  stomach  contained  fragments  of  cephalopode  moUusca  only.  It 
Wcis  harpooned  from  the  bows  of  the  U.  S.  Ship  Peacock,  on  the  coast 
of  Chili,  latitude  27°  16'  S.,  and  longitude  75°  30'  \7.,  on  vhe  twelfth 
of  June." 

For  the  present  we  continue  the  name  proposed  by  Mr.  Peale  fur 
this  animal,  but  have  little  doubt  that  it  ought  to  be  superseded  by 
the  prior  designation  of  Messrs.  Quoy  and  Gaimard. 


I 


4.  Delphinus  borealis  {Peak). 

Delphinapterus  borealis,  Pealk,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  3Iaium.  p.  35  (1st  ed.  1848). 

Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  Vll,  Fig.  2. 

Forma  elongata,  rustro  imrum  prodncto.  Color')  in't/ro,  macula  hinccolata 
alha  pectoraU,  quco  in  Uneam  ancjustam  ad  caudam  proi.enditur. 

"  Form,  elongate  ;  snout,  slightly  produced  ;  color,  black,  with  a  white 
lanceolate  spot  on  the  breast,  which  is  'extended  in  a  narrow  line  to 
the  tail." 

"Length,  four  feet." 

Hab. — North  Pacific  Ocean. 

Having  no  specimens  for  examination,  we  cite  Mi'.  Pojile's  doscrip- 
tioii  of  this  interesting  species.  From  his  figures,  however,  to  be  found 
in  the  Atlas  to  the  present  volume  as  above  cited,  it  appears  to  us  pro- 
bable that  it  does  not  belong  to  the  genus  Drlp/uinqthnifi,  cr  to  the 
group  of  which  TJ.  Peronii  is  the  type.  In  color  ai.d  general  appear- 
ance this  species  appears  to  resemble  1).  liaHtatnu.  F.  Cuvier,  Schreber, 
Saiigthiore,  VIT,  PI.  CCCLI;  lleichenbach,  Cetacea:is,  PI.  X,  fig.  20, 


C  E  T  A  C  E  A. 


31 


30,  notwithstanding  that  it  has  no  dorsal  fin.  It  may  be  the  young 
of  a  species  of  ]3eht<ja. 

From  DelpMnus  hastatns  the  present  species  appears  to  differ  essen- 
tially in  size,  and  it  is  without  the  large  hastate  spot  on  the  abdomen 
which  characterizes  that  animal,  and  it  does  not  belong  to  the  same 
generic  group. 

To  this  species,  Mr.  Peale  alludes  as  follows : 

"  "Willie  in  the  water  it  appears  to  be  entirely  black,  the  white  line 
being  invisible.  Tt  is  remarkably  quick  and  lively  in  its  motions,  fre- 
quently leaping  entirely  out  of  the  water,  and  from  its  not  having  a 
dorsal  fin,  is  sometimes  mistaken  for  a  Seal. 

"  Specimens  were  taken  in  the  North  Pacific  Ocean,  latitude  46°  6' 
50",  longitude  134°  5'  W.  from  Greenwich.  Great  quantities  of  a 
i^pecies  of  Anatifa  were  floating  on  the  surface  of  the  sea,  on  which 
they  were  probably  feeding.  Two,  which  had  been  struck  and  badly 
wounded  with  the  harpoon,  escaped,  but  the  others  did  not  leave  the 
ship  as  the  Delphim  zsually  do  when  one  of  their  number  is  wounded." 

From  the  latitude  and  longitude  given  by  Mr.  Peale,  it  will  be  found 
that  the  land  nearest  to  the  point  at  which  this  animal  was  obtained, 
is  the  coast  of  Oregon.  It  i.s,  therefore,  to  be  regarded  with  additional 
interest  aio  entitled  to  admission  into  the  Fauna  of  the  United  States. 

This  species  appears  to  resemble  Delplunaptenis  only  in  the  absence 
of  the  dorsal  fin,  in  which  respect  it  also  resembles  Beluga,  of  which 
u  is  probably  a  sp;;cies. 

2.  Genus  LAGENORIIYNCITUS,  Cray,  Voy.  Erebus  and  Terror,  Mamm. 

ri.  XXXIV  (1840). 


1.  LaGENORUTNCUUS  CyERULEOALBUS  (Mei/cn). 

Defph.'nus  cwrnleoalbiis,  JIkyen,  Nov.  Act.  Nat.  Cur.  XVI,  p.  009  (1832^ 
Dcljtl'i.im  albiroslvatus,  Pkale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Mamm.  p.  3-4  (1st  ed.  1848). 

Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  VI,  Fig.  2. 

Though  Mr.  Peale's  figures,  from  which  those  in  the  plate  of  the 
Atlas  to  this  volume  have  been  prepared,  difler  in  some  measure  from 
the  figures  of  D.  ca'.ndcoalbufi,  in  the  distribution  of  the  light  and  dark 
colors,  we  have  no  doubt  of  the  identity  of  the  present  animal  with 
that  species.     The  figures  of  the  latter  to  whit'i  we  more  especially 


32 


MAMMALOGY. 


allude,  are  that  of  its  first  descrlber  in  Nova  Acta  Physico-medica 
Academiaj  CoBsarou  Leopoldino  Carolina?  Naturae  Curiosorum,  XVI, 
PI.  XLIII,  fig.  2,  and  those  in  Schreber's  Saugthiere,  PL  CCCLXIII, 
and  in  Reichenbach's  Cetaceans,  PI.  XIV,  fig.  43. 

Mr.  Peale  describes  the  present  species  as  follows : 

"  Form  elongate,  the  dorsal  fin  being  nearest  the  head ;  color,  dark 
blue-gray,  the  fins  and  back  nearly  black ;  a  dark  line  connects  the 
corners  of  the  mouth  with  the  pectoral  fins ;  front  and  sides  dark  gray, 
covered  with  small  vermicular  white  spots;  end  of  the  snout,  white? 
commissure  of  the  lips,  pale  yellow. 

"  Total  length,  six  feet  seven  inches ;  perpendicular  diameter  at  the 
dorsal  fin,  thirteen  inches. 

"Dental  formula:  rot  U»  =  IGO  •^" 

"Taken  in  the  Pacific  Ocean,  latitude  2'-  47'  5"  S.,  longitude  174° 
13'  W.  of  Greenwich,  on  the  22d  of  August." 

We  find  no  specimen  in  the  Collection  of  the  Expedition. 


2.  Lagenorhyncuus  LATERAur,  (Pale). 

DelpMnus  lateralis,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Mamm.  p.  35  (1st  cd.  1848). 

Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  VII,  Fig.  1. 

Formn  robusta,  corporc  pone  innnam  dorsahm  valdc  compresso.  Colore 
paUidc  piopurascenti-ciuereo,  suhtus  alio,  linca  lateruU  sat  i:  rat  lore 
macuUs  maryinata,  colorem  corporis  supcrloreDi  ah  infcriore  seternlt. 

"  Form,  thick ;  snout,  small ;  body,  much  compressed  behind  the  dorsal 
fin;  color,  light  purplish-gniy ;  beneath  white,  a  dark  lateral  line 
edged  with  spots  separates  the  colors  of  the  upper  an-l  under  parts 
of  the  body ;  a  separate  line,  paler  in  color,  branches  from  the  lateral 
line  opposite  the  pectoral  fins,  and  passes  downwards  and  back- 
wards, another  connects  the  eyes  and  pectoral  fins ;  snout,  ' '  ?k  ; 
fins,  black." 

"  Total  length,  seven  feet  six  inches. 
"  Dental  form  ula :  \  \ ,  *  j ,  =  164  ?" 


G  L  I  R  E  S. 


S3 


"Caught  on  the  13th  of  September,  in  the  Pacific  Ocean,  latitude 
13°  58'  N.,  longitude  161°  22'  W." 

This  is  the  description  by  Mr.  Peale,  to  which  we  can  add  nothing. 
We  find  no  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  l)ut  from  the 
figure  and  description  as  above  cited,  this  species  does  not  appear  to 
intimately  resemble  any  other.  From  the  latitude  and  longitude 
given,  it  appears  to  have  been  captured  at  sea,  some  degrees  south  of 
the  Sandwich  Islands. 

3.  Genus  DELPHINAPTERUS,  Lacepede,  Hist.  Nat.  des.  Cetacdes,  p.  243  (1804). 

1.  DELPHINAPTERUS  PERONII  (Zace/)et?eJ. 
Delpliinus  peronii,  Lacep,  Hist.  Nat.  Get.  p.  31G  (1804). 

Voy.  Coquille,  Zool.  PI.  IX,  Fig.  1 ;  F.  Cuv.  Cetac.  PI.  XV,  Fig.  2. 

Dr.  Pickering  records  the  capture  of  this  species  on  the  western 
coast  of  South  America,  in  latitude  50°  u5'. 


4.  Order  GLIRES. — The  Gnawing  Mammals. 


1.  Family  CASTORIDiE.— The  Beavers.— The  Water  Rats. 
1.  Gknus  castor,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  78  (;1766). 

1.  Castor  americanus,  F.  Cuvier. — The  American  Beaver. 

C'ts/or  americanus,  F.  Cuv. 

Castor  Jilwr,  LiNN.  Syst.  IJiit.  I,  p.  78;  Harlan,  flodman  et  al.  auct.  Amor. 

Castor fihcr,  amfr{autu»,^\v.h.  Fiiuu.  Ror.  Am.  Mamiii.  p.  105. 

Castor  canadcHsiK,  KuHi^. 

Aud.  and  Bach.  Quad.  N.  A.  Plate  XLVI,  Oct.  ed.  I,  Plate  XLVI. 


84 


M  A  M  M  A  L  0  G  Y. 


The  Beaver  does  not  appeal*  to  have  come  under  the  notice  of  either 
of  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition,  neither  in  Oregon  nor  California, 
but  we  find  recorded  in  the  journal  of  Dr.  Pickering,  memoranda  of 
information  derived  from  residents  in  those  countries,  which  are  of 
interest.     At  Fort  Okanagan,  he  mentions : 

"  It  is  said  here,  that  the  lieaver  was  formerly  of  common  occur- 
rence in  all  the  streams,  and  that  the  Indians  trapped  it  to  some 
extent.  The  ftict  that  it  is  now  almost  extinct  is  attributed  to  the 
introduction  of  traps  of  better  construction,  and  to  the  unremitted 
destruction  of  this  animal  for  the  sake  of  its  skin.  It  is  said  to  be  yet 
occasionally  seen." 

In  California,  he  'tates : 

"  I  am  informed  *  '"'  Marsh  that  the  Tule  districts  abound  in 
Beavers,  and  that  froiu  peculiar  character  of  those  localities  it  is 
very  difficult  to  take  them  in  traps.  It  is  said,  too,  that  this  animal 
is  found  on  the  Sacramento  River,  but  no  sign  of  it  was  seen  by  our 
party,  so  far  as  our  boat  voyage  extended." 


2.  Genus  FIBER,  dmer,  Reg.  An.  I,  p.  192  (1817). 

1.  FiBEK  ziBETniciTS  {Linn.).     The  Muskrat.     The  Musquash. 
Casior  sibethicus,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  79  (17GG). 
Aud.  and  Bach.  Quad,  of  N.  A.  Plate  XIII,  Oct  ed.  I,  Plate  XIII. 

This  animal  is  mentioned  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  as 
having  been  observed  in  Oregon,  and  the  same  has  been  done  by 
other  travellers.  We  are  not  aware,  however,  that  any  specimens 
from  Western  North  America  have  ever  reached  the  collections  in  the 
Atlantic  States,  or  that  any  comparison  with  the  common  species  of 
the  Eastern  United  States  has  ever  been  made,  which,  from  Mr.  Peale's 
statement  below  given,  relating  to  the  size  of  western  specimens,  we 
regard  as  quite  important  for  the  more  exact  determination  of  the 
species. 

This  species,  if  indeed  it  is  identical  with  the  well-known  Fiber 
zihethicHH  of  the  Eastern  States,  appears  to  inhabit  the  entire  coast  of 
Oregon  and  Russian  America,  and  is  given  by  Pallas,  in  Zoographia 
Rosso-Asiatica  (I,  p.  144),  as  an  inhabitant  also  of  Siberia. 


G  L  I  R  E  S. 


35 


Mr.  Peale  states : 

"  Muskrata,  the  name  by  which  these  animals  are  best  known  in 
the  United  States,  wore  seen  by  the  Expedition,  in  Oregon.  Along  the 
Coliimbia  River  they  are  quite  common,  but  it  was  remarkable  that 
all  the  specimens  seen  there,  were  smaller  than  those  found  on  the 
Atlantic  coast. 

"  The  only  specimen  preserved,  was  one  obtained  on  the  Willa- 
mette River,  which  having  been  destroyed  by  the  exposure  incident 
to  a  long  journey  on  pack-horses,  prevents  our  showing  any  specific 
difference,  which  the  difference  in  size  inclines  us  to  suspect." 


2.  Family  ARCTOMURID^. 

1.  Genus  ARCTOMYS,  Schreler,  Saugth.  IV,  p.  721  (1792). 

1.  Arctomys  monax  {Linn.).   The  Ground  Hog.   The  Hoary  Marmot. 


Mut  monax,  Linn.  ^yst.  Nat.  I,  p.  81  (1766). 

Mas  empetra,  Pallas,  Nov.  Sp.  Quad.  e.  Glirium  Ordine,  p.  75  (1777). 

Arctomys  monax  et  Arctomys  empetra,  AucT. 

Rich.  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  Mamm.  Plate  IX;  Aud.  and  Bach.  Quad. 
U.  S.  Plate  II,  Oct.  ed.  (pi.  1). 

Dr.  Pickering  mentions  this  animal  as  having  been  observed  in 
Oregon,  and  thinks  it  the  same  specifically  as  the  common  species  of 
the  United  States.  There  l)oing  no  specimens  in  the  collection,  we 
introduce  it  for  the  purpose  of  citing  his  observations,  which  occur 
under  date  of  7th  of  June,  1841  : 

"Arrived  at  Fort  Okanagan  just  too  late  to  see  some  specimens  of 
'  the  Siffleur,'  which  were  partly  cooked,  and  I  was  at  the  time  much 
disposed  to  regret  it,  under  the  impression  that  it  was  a  species  with 
which  I  was  not  acquainted.  Three  specimens  were,  however,  brought 
in  by  ar<  Indian  the  next  day,  and  proved  to  be  identical  with  the 
Wood  Chuck  of  the  United  States  {Arctomys  monax),  so  far  as  I  could 
remember  the  character  of  the  latter,  or  certainly  presenting  no  strik- 
ing difl'irence. 

"  General  form,  thick  and  heavy ;  ears,  small  and  rounded ;  tail, 


86 


MAMMALOGY. 


about  half  the  length  of  the  body.  About  the  mouth  and  nose,  light 
gray ;  rest  of  the  head  brownish,  and  darker  thau  the  body ;  Aveight, 
five  to  seven  pounds ;  female  had  five  teata  on  each  side.  I  could  only 
learn  from  the  Indian  that  he  brought  these  specimens  from  '  afar  off,' 
but  it  is  very  probably  this  animal,  the  holes  of  which  we  have  found 
frequei  *ly  in  the  open  country,  though  perhaps  some  may  have  been 
of  the  Badger.  It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  we  did  not  find  any  of 
these  west  of  the  Coast  Range." 


2.  Genus  APLODONTIA,  Richardson,  Zool.  Jour.  IV,  p.  334  (1829). 

1.  Aplodontia  leporina,  Richardson. — Zool.  Jour.  IV,  p.  335  (1829). 

Arctomi/s  ru/a,  Harlan,  Faun.  Am.  p.  308  (1825)  ? 

Rich.  Fann.  Bor.  Am.  Plate  XVIII ;  And.  and  Bach.  Quad,  of  N.  A. 
Plate  CXXIII,  Oct.  ed.  II,  Plate  CXXIII. 

Tliough  fine  specimens  of  this  remarkable  animal  are  in  the  collec- 
tion, we  prefer  citing  a  description  by  Mr.  Peale,  which  appears  to 
have  been  made  very  soon  after  they  were  obtained.  At  present,  the 
colors  have  in  some  degree  faded ;  a  result  to  be  expected,  nearly 
twenty  years  having  elapsed  since  these  specimens  were  obtained. 
Mr.  Peale's  description  and  observations  are  as  follows : 

"  General  form  rounded,  thick,  and  short,  with  a  flat  and  broad 
head,  the  whole  covered  with  fur  and  hair  intermixed ;  the  former 
fine,  half  an  inch  long,  dark  plumbeous  tipped  with  umber-brown  ;  the 
hair  from  eight-tenths  to  an  inch  in  length,  very  thin,  and  of  a  brown 
color  at  the  roots  and  tips,  but  much  inflated  and  black  in  the  middle ; 
very  glossy,  and  at  certain  angles  reflecting  light  of  a  cobalt-blue 
color;  whiskers,  tufts  of  bristles,  on  the  ulna  and  cheeks,  white;  ears 
very  small,  rounded,  and  nearly  covered  with  fur;  eyes,  small;  nose, 
large,  tumid;  tail,  scarcely  perceptible;  fore  feet,  larger  and  stronger 
than  the  hind ;  the  claws  strong,  curved,  compressed ;  the  thumb  with 
a  flattened,  blunt  nail ;  hind  feet,  with  the  three  middle  toes  nearly 
equal;  the  outer  and  inner  toes  almost  equal;  the  inner  one  being 
shortest;  the  nails  less  curved,  and  less  compressed  than  those  of  the 
fore  feet.     Incisors,  very  strong,  and  of  a  clear  yellow  color. 

"  Length  of  the  head  and  body,  fourteen  and  two-tenths  inches ; 
tail,  including  the  hair,   one  and  four-tenths ;  •  hair  at  the  end   of 


G  L  I  R  E  S. 


87 


tail,  one  inch ;  head,  from  the  nose  to  the  ear,  two  and  three-tenths 
inches ;  to  the  eye,  one  and  four-tenths  of  an  inch ;  whiskers,  three 
and  a  half  inches;  longest  claw  (fore  foot),  six-tenths  of  an  inch; 
thumb,  including  the  nail,  three-tenths  of  an  inch ;  nail,  two-tenths  of 
an  inch;  hind  foot  (almost  plantigrade),  two  and  two-tenths  inches ; 
middle  toe,  nine- tenths  of  an  inch.     Male.'" 

"  The  specimens  were  obtained  at  Nisqually,  Puget  Sound,  Oregon, 
where  it  is  quite  a  common  animal,  and  their  skins  much  prized  by 
the  Indians  for  making  robes,  used  in  the  place  of  blankets.  The 
occipital  portion  of  the  skull  is  remarkable  in  form,  from  its  great 
breadth  and  flatness." 

Dr.  Pickering  also  mentions  this  animal  as  frequent  at  Puget  Sound, 
and  known  to  the  inhabitants  as  the  "  Rat  des  Bois." 


CtlAN'lUM    OF    APLODOSTIA    LKPORISA. 


3.  Family  MURIDiE.— The  Mice  and  Rata. 


1.  Genus  MUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  79  (17G6). 


1.  Mus  DECUMANUS,  PaUcts. — The  Norway  Rat. 

Mas  decumanus,  PAtL.  Nov.  Sp.  Quad.  Glirium,  p.  91  (1766). 

The  occurrence  of  the  common  Rat  in  the  islands  of  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  and  at  various'  other  localities,  is  noted  by  the  naturalists  of 
the  Expedition.  It  appears,  in  fact,  to  have  followed  the  course  of 
commercial  enterprise  and  vo  ages  of  discovery  throughout  the  world, 

10 


38 


MAMMALOGY. 


and  apparently  maintains  its  specific  characters  in  such  a  variety  of 
climates  and  under  such  various  circumstances,  as  to  present  quite 
appreciable  difficulties  to  the  theories  of  some  of  the  earlier  naturalists 
in  relation  to  climatal  influence. 

Mr.  Peale  remarks : 

"  The  common  brown  or  Norway  Rat  was  observed  at  the  Hawaiian 
and  some  other  islands  in  the  Pacific  Ocean,  where  it  has  been  intro- 
duced by  commercial  intercourse  with  Europe  and  America.  It  was 
observed  to  retain  its  partiality  for  the  habitations  of  mankind,  with 
all  its  burrowing  and  destructive  habits,  but  does  not  seem  to  multiply 
so  rapidly  as  it  does  in  countries  where  the  cereal  grains  are  grown  or 
dealt  with  as  matters  of  commerce.  We  did  not  find  it  on  islands 
uninhabited  by  mankind." 

The  collection  of  specimens  of  this  common  animal,  especially  in 
unusual  or  little  visited  localities,  ought,  by  no  means,  to  be  neglected 
when  opportunities  are  presented  to  voyagers  and  naturalists.  Such 
collections  furnish  materials  for  investigations  involving  very  impor- 
tant zoological  principles  and  doctrines,  and  are  the  most  reliable 
sources  of  information  and  demonstration. 


2.  Mus  EXULANS,  Rale. 

Mus  exulam,  P£ALE,  Zool.  Exp.  Kxp.  Mamm.  p.  47  (Ist  cd.  1848). 

uVus  penicillatus,  GouLD,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1842,  p.  12? 

Aliis  ja^obive  vel  (hcumanoides,  Waterh.  Voy.  Beagle,  Maiuui.  p.  34  (1810)  ? 


Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  IV,  Fig.  1.     Adult. 


\4H 


This  is  a  species  of  Rat,  named  by  Mr.  Peale  as  above,  and  so  much 
resembling  the  common  Mm  decinnanus  in  all  characters,  except  size, 
that  we  have  not  thought  a  detailed  or  technical  description  necessary, 
especially  as  our  figure  correctly  represents  it.  It  is  mentioned  by  the 
naturalists  of  the  Expedition  as  inhabiting  the  Coral  Islands  and  others 
of  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  in  addition  to  its  smaller  size,  is  represented 
as  possessing  quite  different  habits  from  the  common  Rat.  No  techni- 
cal description  is  given  by  Mr.  Peale,  but  his  observations  on  this 
animal  are  of  much  interest,  and  are  as  follows : 

"  Nearly  all  the  Coral  Islands  visited  by  the  Expedition,  were  found 
to  be  inhabited  by  Rats,  so  like  the  common  brown  or  Norway  Rat 


0  L  I  R  E  S. 


89 


[M.  decumanus),  that  they  might  be  pronounced  a  diininiitive  variety, 
had  we  not  found  them  inhabiting  ishvnds  many  thousands  of  miles 
apart,  but  still  retaining  their  somewhat  peculiar  habits,  with  but 
little  variation  in  size.  The  females  have  two  pectoral  and  four 
abdominal  teats.  In  the  arrangement  and  color  of  the  teeth,  the  tex» 
ture  and  color  of  the  hair,  the  sciUoi  of  the  tail,  general  form,  and  in 
most  specific  characters,  excepting  size,  the  animal  resembles  the 
brown  or  Norway  Rat." 

"  This  species  was  seen  on  but  one  '  high'  island,  Tahiti.  It  seems 
to  prefer  the  low  coral  islets.  It  constructs  a  nest  in  the  '  tussucks'  of 
grass,  and  makes  shallow  burrows,  like  an  Arvtcokt.  Its  food  consists 
principally  of  the  fruit  of  the  liindanus,  evincing  but  little  carni- 
vorous appetite,  as  various  species  of  land-crabs  abound  near  their 
haunts  without  being  much  disturbed,  and  the  neighboring  shores 
afford  abundant  Molhisca,  the  empty  shells  of  which  would  betray  the 
fact,  if  such  was  the  food  of  this  Rat." 

"  The  animal  before  us  has,  decidedly,  the  habits  of  an  Arvicola. 
It  is  generally  to  be  found  in  pairs,  and  when  pursued  is  soon  fatigued 
and  easily  captured,  but  unlike  the  Norway  Rat,  it  utters  no  cry, 
although  it  resists  pertinaciously  and  bites  severely.  When  pursued, 
it  sometimes  endeavors  to  escape  by  ascending  a  tree,  should  any  be 
near." 

Mr.  Peale  gives  the  following  table  of  measurements  of  specimens  of 
tiiis  species  obtained  at  the  various  localities  mentioned. 


Boo 
Island, 

DlSAPPOIKTHBNT 
ISLAHD. 

Female. 

Wake's 
Island. 

Female. 

Hull's 

ISLAKD. 

Tahiti. 

Male. 
lu.      lOtbs. 

Female. 

Female.      { 

In.       lOtbs. 

In.      lotha. 

In.     lOths. 

In.     lothi. 

Length  of  head  and  body,  . 

5      3 

6       5 

5 

'"^        2 

5      4 

"       tail,     .... 

5      « 

5 

5      3 

J        3 

4      8 

"       head,   .... 

1      5 

1       4 

1      4 

1        G 

1    s»  ! 

"       ears,    .... 

6 

6 

6 

«  ! 

"       fore-arm,  .     ,     . 

8 

1 

9 

9 

9    ' 

"       fore-paw,  .     .     . 
"       tibia,    .... 

5 
1       2 

5 
1      4 

5 
1      3 

6 
1      2 

*'       hind  foot,       .     . 

1       1 

1      1 

1      1 

1      1 

Spetimens  from  various  localities  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expe- 
dition.  Though  we  are  not  without  suspicion  that  this  animal  is  either 


40 


M  A  M  M  A  L  O  (;  Y. 


one  or  the  other  of  the  species  the  names  of  which  we  have  provision- 
ally inserted  as  synonymes,  we  have  not  at  the  present  time  the  facili- 
ties for  making  an  examination  of  a  satisfactory  or  conclusive  character 
in  this  extensive  and  difficult  genus.  The  same  remark  applies 
equally  well  to  the  succeeding  species. 


3.  Mus  viTiENSis,  I^ale. — The  Feejee  Rat. 
Mus  vilien»{$,  Pealk,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Mamm.  p.  49  (Ist  eJ.  1848). 

Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  IV,  Fig.  2. 

This  is  another  species,  very  considerably  resembling  the  common 
rat.  but  differs  in  several  characters,  amongst  which  may  be  mentioned 
the  comparatively  longer  tail  and  the  different  texture  of  the  pilage, 
and  also  its  apparently  uniformly  smaller  size.  It  was  observed  in- 
habiting the  Feejee  Islands,  and  though  specimens  in  good  preservation 
are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  we  think  it  necessary  to  give 
Mr.  Peale's  description  and  notes  only,  which,  with  our  plate,  are 
sufficient  for  the  identification  of  the  species : 

"  M.  Cauda  caput  corpusque  longitudi'ne  super  ante,  forma  tenni  et  gratiosa, 
pills  suhtUibus,  longis,  speciem  sericam  gerentihna,  colore,  supra  sepica 
hrunneo,  infra  pro}}e  alho,  pedibus  maguis,  albis,  pollice  brevi  ungue 
complanato,  cauda  pallide  gilva,  cum  squamis  brunneis  exiguis  quae 
pilis  subtilibue  serivis  vestiuntur,  oculis  mediocribua  iiigris,  auribua 
magnis,  rotundatia  et  molliter  eerico-pilosus.  laniariis  parvis  etflavido 
albis.     Feviina. 

"Tail,  longer  than  the  head  and  body;  form,  light  and  graceful;  hai.' 
fine,  long,  and  silky  in  texture ;  color,  sepia  brown  above,  nearly 
white  beneath ;  feet,  large,  white ;  thumb,  short,  with  a  flattened 
nail ;  tail,  pale  flesh-color,  with  very  small  brown  scales,  and 
covered  slightly  by  fine  silky  hairs ;  eyes,  of  a  moderate  size,  black; 
ears  large,  rounded,  and  covered  with  silky  hairs;  incisors  small, 
and  of  a  yellowish-white  color. 

"  Length  of  the  head  and  body,  three  sind  one-tenth  inches ;  tail, 
three  and  four-tenths  inches ;  head,  one  and  one-tenth  of  an  inch ; 


G  L  I  R  E  S. 


41 


eirs,  four-tenths  of  an  inch;  fore-arm,  half  an  inch;  paw,  four-tenths 
of  an  inch ;  tibia,  nine-tenths  of  an  inch ;  hind  foot,  nine-tenths  of  ou 
inch.     Female." 

"  Male.  Length  of  head  and  body,  four  inches ;  tail,  four  and  a 
half  inches." 

"  This  animal  is  a  great  pest  in  most  of  the  houses  on  the  Feejee 
Islands.  It  makes  its  nest  in  the  thatched  roof,  being  an  excellent 
climber,  and  sallies  forth  at  night  in  such  numbers  as  to  be  exceed- 
ingly troublesome.  To  us,  strangers,  their  gambols  overhead,  in  the 
thatch,  were  so  noisy  as  to  banish  sleep,  and  their  attacks  on  our 
pockets  and  packs,  containing  edibles  provided  for  our  excursions,  were 
so  vigorous,  that  cloth  and  buttons  or  willow  baskets  aflforded  no  pro- 
tection from  them.  ' 


"  The  natives  have  a  very  simple  and  ingenious  contrivance  to  save 
provisions  from  their  attacks.  It  is  an  implement  suspended  from  the 
roof,  as  represented  above,  which,  being  sometimes  fancifully  carved, 
led  some  of  our  officers,  not  acquainted  with  its  use,  to  suppose  it  to 
be  a  household  deity." 


11 


42 


M  A  M  M  A  L  0  0  Y. 


4.  Mus  MUSCULUS,  Liiin. — The  Mouse. 


Mii>  muiculuii,  Linn.  Sjrst.  Nal.  I;  p.  83  (1700). 


Like  the  common  rat,  the  mouse  is  mentioned  as  having  been 
noticed  at  nearly  all  points  visited  by  the  Expedition,  and  presents 
another  remarkable  instance  of  the  adaptation  of  a  species  to  a  great 
variety  of  climates  and  temperatures.  We  find  no  specimens  in  the 
collection,  but  the  obtaining  of  such,  from  various  and  widely  distant 
localities,  especially  from  those  at  which  this  ilttle  animal  had  long 
since  been  introduced,  would  evidently  be  of  high  interest,  as  afford- 
ing precise  demonstration  of  the  real  value  of  cliraatal  and  other 
extraneous  influences. 

Mr,  Peale  mentions  this  animal  as  follows  : 

"  The  common  mouse  seems  to  keep  pace  with  the  progress  of 
civilization,  and  may  be  considered  a  parasite  of  our  race.  We  saw 
it  in  Chili,  in  Peru,  at  the  Sandwich  Islands,  New  Zealand,  and  on 
the  Columbia  River,  in  Oregon.  In  all  these  localities,  as  with  us  in 
the  United  States,  it  frequents  the  habitations  of  mankind  only,  and 
that  always  to  the  exclusion  of  any  small  native  species  of  mice, 
which  may  have  previously  partaken  of  the  same  abode." 

In  addition  to  the  localities  given  by  Mr.  Peale,  this  little  animal 
is  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  having  been  observed  at  the  Feejee 
Islands,  and  at  San  Lorenzo,  in  Peru. 


2.  Genus  IIESPEROMYS,   Waterhousc. 


1.  Hesperomts  leucopus  {Rafinesque). — The  White-footed  Mouse. 


•■  '«! 


i'.^ 


Mmculns  leucopus,  Raf.  Am.  Month.  Rev.  Oct.,  1818,  p.  444. 
Mus  fi/lmticus,  Forster,  Phil.  Trans.  London,  LXII,  p.  380  ? 
Aid.  and  Bach.  Quad.  N.  A.  pi.  40. 


There  are,  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  various  specimens 
from  Oregon  and  California,  all  of  which  have  been  referred  to  this 
species  by  Mr.  Peale.  Though  certainly  partaking  of  the  general 
characters  of  the  animal  of  the  Eastern  States,  we  have  doubts  of 
their  specific  identity  j  nor  can  we,  with  any  certainty,  regard  them 


G  L  I  R  E  S. 


48 


ns  either  of  the  species  described  by  that  very  accomplished  manmialo- 
gist,  Major  John  Le  Conto,  or  other  American  naturalists. 

All  the  specimens  of  the  Expedition  are  unfortunately  in  spirits ; 
immersion  in  which  for  nearly  twenty  years  has,  very  probably,  so  nmto- 
rially  injured  the  colors,  that  at  present  we  do  not  deem  it  expedient  to 
undertake  an  extended  or  minute  comparison,  for  which,  moreover, 
we  have  not  the  necessary  collections  nor  experience  in  this  depart- 
ment of  Zoology.  Examination  of  specimens  of  the  animals  of  this 
group,  from  Western  North  America,  will  amply  repay  the  naturalist. 

The  following,  by  Mr.  Peale,  is  the  only  notice  we  find  on  record  by 
the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  : 

"  This  species  of  mouse  was  met  with  in  considerable  numbers  on 
the  west  coast  of  America,  from  Puget's  Sound  in  the  north,  to  the 
Bay  of  San  Francisco,  in  California,  south.  It  probably  inhabits  the 
country  much  further  in  each  direction." 

3.  Genus  DllYiMOMYS,  Tichuli,  Fauna  Peruana,  Mainiu.  p.  178  (1845). 

1.  Drymomys  parvulus,  TuchmU. 

Drymomys  parvuhtu,  TscH.  Faun.  Per.  p.  178  (1845). 

Mus peruvianus,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Mamin.  p.  51  (1st  ed.  1848).* 

Tsch.  Faun.  Per.  Mamm.  pi.  13,  Fig.  1. 

Several  specimens  from  Peru  present  no  characters  other  than  as 
stated  by  Tschudi,  but  vary  considerably  in  size.  This  animal  appears 
to  form  a  distinct  genus  or  subgenus,  as  above  designated,  though,  in 
general  appearance,  much  resembling  other  animals  of  its  family. 

Mr.  Peale  alludes  to  the  present  animal  as  follows  : 


*  "  Upper  parts  yellowish-brown,  inclining  to  tawny  on  tbe  sides ;  feet,  throat,  and 
under  parts  of  the  body,  white ;  tail  long,  slender,  pale  flesh-color,  with  a  brown  line 
on  the  upper  surface ;  eyes  small,  black ;  ears  large,  round,  and  naked ;  a  small  tuft 
of  white  fur  behind  the  ears,  which  is  invisilb  when  they  are  thrown  back.  The  poste- 
rior extremity  of  the  body  small ;  the  tail  long  and  slender ;  presenting  as  a  whole  a 
peculiar  contour. 

"  Length  of  the  bead  and  body,  two  and  three-tenths  inches ;  tail,  three  and  one- 
tenth  inches;  head,  nine-tenths  of  an  inch;  ear,  half  an  inch;  forearm,  half  an  inch; 
foot,  three-tenths  of  an  inch ;  tibia,  eight-tenths  of  an  inch ;  hind-foot,  seven-tenths 
of  an  inch."     (Peale,  us  above.) 


44 


M  A  M  M  A  L  0  G  Y. 


"  The  specimens  were  obtained  near  Callao,  Peru.  Their  nests 
were  found  in  the  fences,  built  of  adobes  or  sun-dried  bricks,  and  con- 
sisted of  fine  grass,  feathers,  &c." 


4.  Genus  ARVICOLA,  Lawpede  (1S03).— The  Field  Mouse. 


1.  Arvicola  occidentalis,  Peiile. — The  Western  Field  Mouse. 

Arvicola  occidentalis,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Maium.  p.  45  (1st  cJ.  1S48). 

Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  VIII,  Fig.  2.     Adult. 

Pilis  moILsimis  et  (enuissimis,  extremitatihus  Huperiorihns  ruJiN  sine  ulla 
nigra  admistione.  Aurlhus  snh  i:>Ui8  occnUis,  canda  suhr-omprtssa, 
supra  et  snhtus  concolore  rnfa.     Long,  6  tmc. 

Form. — Head  large,  blunt ;  upper  incisors  not  grooved ;  eyes  small ; 
ears  rather  large,  but  nearly  concealed  by  the  long  hair ;  antitragus 
rather  small,  semicircular.  Thumb  of  fore  foot  rudimentary,  with 
a  compressed  blunt  nail ;  third  and  fourth  toes  of  the  fore  foot 
nearly  equal ;  fifth,  shorter  than  the  second.  Hind  foot  with  the 
thumb  or  first  too  about  half  as  long  as  the  second  ;  third  and 
fourth,  very  nearly  equal ;  fifth,  rather  more  than  half  the  length 
of  the  fourth.  Tail  slightly  compressed  laterally  and  covered 
with  short  hair;  bristles  of  the  muzzle  rather  numerous  and  long. 
Ears  covered  with  hair  on  their  outside  only.  Feet  covered  with 
short  hair.     Hair,  especially  on  the  upper  parts,  very  fine  and  soft. 

Dentition. — In  the  upper  jaw,  the  first  molar  presents  five  triangles, 
one  anterior,  two  exterior,  and  two  interior ;  the  second  presents  four 
triangles,  one  anterior,  two  exterior,  and  one  interior,  with  a  posterior 
rounded  lobe ;  the  third  presents  five  triangles,  one  anterior,  two 
exterior,  very  small,  two  interior,  and  ends  in  a  trefie  or  three-lobed 
figure,  the  exterior  lobe  of  which  is  nearly  obliterated,  and  leaves  a 
plane  space  from  the  eiid  of  the  tooth  to  the  posterior  triangle.  The 
line  of  teeth  in  the  upper  jaw  exhibits,  externally,  nine  salient  and 
nine  re-entering  angles,  the  two  last  of  each,  small ;  internally,  ten 


G  L  I  R  E  S. 


45 


salient  and  eight  re-entering  angles,  exclusive  of  the  interior  emargi- 
nation  of  the  trefle.  In  the  lower  jaw,  the  first  molar  commences 
with  a  trefle,  then  follow  six  triangles,  two  exterior,  three  interior, 
and  oiiO  posterior ;  tho  second  presents  five  triangles,  two  exterior, 
two  interior,  and  one  posterior ;  the  third  is  narrowed  anteriorly,  and 
formed  of  five  triangles,  two  exterior  very  small,  two  interior  and  one 
posterior.  The  line  of  teeth  in  the  lower  jaw  presents  externally 
eleven  salient  anglep,  including  the  exterior  lobe  of  the  trefle,  and  nine 
re-eiiiering  angles,  including  the  concavity  of  the  side  of  the  trefle  ; 
internally,  eleven  salient,  the  two  penultimate  very  small,  and  eleven 
re-entering  angles,  including  the  interior  lohe  and  the  eraargination  of 
the  side  of  the  trefle.  This  dentition  is  precisely  similar  to  that  of 
Arvicola  riparius,  Ord. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (specimen  in  spirits),  from  tip  of  nose 
to  end  of  tai!.  about  six  inches;  head,  one  inch  and  a  quarter;  fore 
leg,  three-quaiters  of  an  inch  ;  hind  leg,  one  and  a  half  inches  ;  tail, 
two  inches. 

Colors. — Entire  pilage  of  the  upper  parts  glossy  rufous,  darkest  on 
the  middle  of  the  head  and  back ;  under  parts  grayish-white,  palest  on 
the  abdomen.  Pur  on  all  parts  dark-lead  color  at  base,  and  only  tipped 
with  the  colors  just  stated.  Feet  and  tail  reddish-bi'own,  neai'ly 
uniform  with  the  color  of  the  upper  parts  of  the  body.  Incisors,  on 
their  anterior  surface,  pale  orange-yellow. 

Hab. — Puget  Sound,  Oregon.    Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  handsome  little  animals  of  its  family,  and 
bears  some  general  resemblance  to  Arvicola  riparlnn,  but  is  very 
readily  to  be  distinguished.  We  find  in  the  notes  of  the  naturalists 
of  the  Expedition  nothing  relating  to  it,  further  than  that  it  was 
obtained  at  Puget's  Sound,  Oregon. 


2.  Arvicola  californicus,  Peale. — The  California  Field  Mouse. 
Arvicola  culi/oniicus,  PiiAnE,  Zool.  Esp.  Exp.  Mninm.  p.  46  (Ist  eJ.  1848). 
Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  VIII,  Fig.  1.     Adult. 
Suhmriefjaim  rufcscenti-fusco  et  tihp'o.     Caqmre  hrtvi  et  robusto,  pilln 

12 


46 


MAJIiJALOGY. 


Ill 


apeclem  hirsutiei  hahentihua,  revera  tamen  mollihua  et  levibus.     AiirU 
his  mhmagnis,  pene  sub  pilia  occultia.     Cauda  8V2>ra  fuaca,  euhlus 
fusco-dnerea.     Long.  6  unc. 

Form. — Body  short  and  thick ;  head  large,  blunt ;  upper  incisors 
'  not  grooved ;  eyes  small ;  ears  rounded^  rather  large,  but  almost 
concealed  under  the  fur;  anti-tragus  large  and  semicircular.  Thumb 
of  the  fore-foot  rudimentary,  with  a  compressed  blunt  nail ;  third 
and  fourth  toes  of  the  fore  foot,  nearly  equal ;  fifth,  rather  shorter 
than  the  second.  Hind  foot,  with  the  first  toe,  about  half  as  long 
as  the  second ;  third  and  fourth,  very  nearly  equal ;  fifth,  rather 
more  than  half  the  length  of  the  fourth.  Tail  cylindrical;  feet  and 
tail  covered  with  short  hair.  Bristles  of  the  muzzle  or  whiskers 
long  and  numerous.  Pilage,  especially  on  the  upper  parts,  com- 
posed of  long  and  rather  coiirse  hair  and  fur,  and  presenting  a  rather 
marked  hirsute  appearance. 

Dentition. — Generally  similar  to  that  of  the  preceding,  but  differs 
as  follows :  In  the  upper  jaw,  the  second  internal  triangle  of  the  first 
molar  and  the  internal  triangle  of  the  second  are  each  furnished  with 
a  small,  sharp,  posterior  lobe.  In  the  lower  jaw,  the  first  tooth  is  formed 
of  nine  triangles;  one  anterior,  which  may  rather  be  called  an  oval,  one 
posterior,  three  exterior,  and  four  interior.  The  line  of  the  teeth  in 
the  upper  jaw  differs  in  having  internally  nine  salient  and  eight  re- 
entering, and  in  the  lower  jaw  in  having  externally  ten  salient  and 
nine  re-entering,  and  internally  twelve  salient  and  eleven  re-entering 
angles. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (specimen  in  spirits),  from  tip  of  nose  to 
end  of  tail,  about  six  inches ;  fore  leg,  three-quarters  of  an  inch ;  hind 
leg,  one  and  a  half  inches  ;  head,  one  and  a  quarter  inches ;  tail,  one 
and  three-quarter  inches.  , 

Colors. — Plumbeous  at  base  of  pilnge,  very  glossy  ;  above  and  on 
the  sides  uniform  reddish-brown,  mixed  with  black ;  cheeks  paler ; 
under  parts  much  lighter  and  inclining  to  brownish-gray.  Tail 
above,  brown,  beneath  cinereous.  Feet  grayish-brown;  incisors  on 
their  anterior  surface  pale  orange-yellow ;  whiskers  pale-brov/n  or 
gray. 


G  L  I  B  E  S. 


47 


Hab. — San  Francisco,  California.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

About  the  size  of  the  preceding,  but  very  different  in  color.  Of  this 
species  fine  specimens  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  and, 
like  those  of  the  preceding,  are  as  yet  the  only  ones  that  have  found 
their  way  to  our  collections.    Of  this  animal,  Mr.  Peale  remarks  : 

"  It  is  not  uncommon  at  the  Bay  of  San  Francisco,  California,  in 
all  moist  and  grassy  situations,  but  from  the  form  of  the  tail  we  infer 
that  it  is  not  aquatic  in  its  habits,  like  the  Arvicola  occidentalis,  to 
which  it  is  nearly  allied." 

That  this  little  species  has  escaped  the  attention  of  late  naturalists 
and  collectors,  we  regard  as  quite  remarkable,  especially  seeing  that 
the  "  Bay  of  San  Francisco"  has  become  rather  a  well-known  locality, 
zoologically  and  otherwise,  since  the  above  was  written.  Such  appears 
to  be  the  fact,  however,  and  we  have,  as  yet,  seen  no  other  specimens 
than  those  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 


3.  Akvicola  montanus,  Peale. 

Arvicola  montanus,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Mamm.  p.  44  (1848). 

A  species  under  this  name  is  described  by  Mr.  Peale,  as  above  cited, 
but  of  whicl  we  find  no  specimens  in  the  collt'otion  of  the  Expedition, 
nor  is  there  a  drawing  of  it  amongst  thK^i^  made  by  him,  nor  a  citation 
of  a  plate  in  his  printed  book.  We  suj^  j"  ■  ,  tlierefore,  that  the  speci- 
mens were  lest,  and  can  only,  under  the  circumstances,  quote  the 
description  alluded  to : 

"  A.  forma  rotundata,  capita  magno,  auribna  mediocrihun  et  vellere pane 
vestitiSf  dentihus  Jlavis,  oculia  parvis,  nigris,  pUis  suhtiUhus  6erici,sqii<', 
in  dorso  hrunneis  nigrisque  intermixtis  ;  infra  plumheis  cam/a  jiedi- 
husque  brevi  nitente  pllo  indutia,  mystacibiia  alhis  nigrisque  ;  utammia 
octo,  quaiuor  in  ahdomine,  in  pectore  totidem. 

"  Form  rounded ;  the  head  large ;  ears  moderate  and  nearly  cf,v  od 
with  fur ;  teeth  yellow ;  eyes  small,  black ;  hair  fine  and  .^Uky  ; 
that  of  the  back  brown  and  black  intermixed ;  beneath,  lead  colored ; 
tail  and  feet  covered  with  short,  glossy  hairs ;  whiskers  white  and 
black  ;  teats  eight  in  number,  four  pectoral  and  four  abdominal." 


48 


MAMMALOGY. 


"  Total  length,  six  and  one-eighth  inches,  including  the  tail,  which 
is  one  and  a  half  inches  long. 

"Our  specimen  was  obtained  on  the  4th  of  October,  near   the 
head  waters  of  the  Sacramento  River,  in  California." 


5.  Genus  PEROGNATIIUS,  De  Wkd. 
Cricetodipus,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Mamin.  p.  52*  (Ist  ed.  1818). 


1.  Perognathus  parvus  {Peale). 

Cricetodipus  parvus,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Mamm.  p.  53  (1st  ed.  1848). 

A  single  specimen  of  this  species  is  in  the  collection,  which,  having 
remained  in  spirits  for  a  length  of  time,  very  probably  sufficient  to 
affect  its  colors,  we  deem  it  most  proper  to  transcribe  the  description 
by  Mr.  Peale  : 

"  Head  ovate ;  the  snout  elongate,  pointed,  and  covered  with  hair, 
excepting  the  nostrils,  which  are  small  and  convolute ;  lips  large, 
tumid,  and  covered  with  short  hairs ;  whiskers  numerous,  white ;  a 
tuft  of  white  hairs  or  bristles  on  the  chin ;  cheek-pouches  spacious, 
opening  outside  of  the  mouth,  and  reaching  from  the  upper  lip  to  the 
throat,  the  cavity  extending  backwards  to  the  ears,  and  lined  with 
hair ;  eyes  medium-sized  ;  ears  small,  round,  and  fringed  with  hairs ; 
fore  legs  small ;  the  feet  moderate,  margined  with  bristly  hairs ;  the 
nails  short,  curved,  excepting  that  of  the  thumb,  which  is  orbicular,  or 
resembling  the  human  thumb  nail;  hind  legs  long;  the  feet  larger  and 
strong,  five-toed,  the  middle  one  slightly  longer  than  the  rest,  inner 
toe  shortest,  reaching  only  to  the  iiid  ot  ilie  metatar.«.i;  bo.ies  of  t)ie 

*  "  Head  and  body  nearly  equal  in  size ;  spanious  check-pouches  outside  of  the  mouth  ; 
upper  cutting  teeth  small,  narrow,  incurved  and  chunnelled  longitudinally  on  the  ex- 
terior; lower  cutting  teeth  narrow,  rounded,  and  approximating  at  the  points;  molars 
with  six  rounded  tubercles  on  each;  ears  small,  rounded;  eyes  medium  sized;  tore  legs 
small,  feet  with  four  toes  and  a  thumb,  the  latter  having  a  fliittonod  nail ;  hind  legs 
large,  strong,  the  feet  having  five  long  toes,  each  with  a  distinct  metatarsu.s,  tail  longer 
than  the  head  and  body. 

"Dental  formula:  incisors,  '•;  caijines,  [|  g;  molars,  J  5=10."     'Peale,  as  above.) 


G  L  I  R  E  S. 


49 


others;  all  the  nails  short,  pointed,  and  slightly  curved;  tail  long, 
tapering,  and  clothed  with  short  silky  hairs.  Color  above  sepia-brown, 
beneath  white ;  a  dark  line  crosses  the  cheek  beneath  tlie  eye. 

"  Length  of  the  head  and  body,  one  and  nine-tenths  of  an  inch ; 
head,  from  the  nose  to  the  occiput,  nine-tenths  of  an  inch ;  ear,  three- 
twentieths  of  an  inch ;  tail,  two  a.id  three-tenths  inches ;  fore  leg,  from 
the  elbow,  nine-twentieths  of  an  inch ;  fore  foot,  three-tenths  of  an 
inch ;  tibia,  seven-tenths  of  an  inoh ;  hind  foot,  eight-tenths  of  an 
inch ;  metatarsus,  five-tenths  of  an  inch. 

• 

"  A  single  specimen  of  this  singular  animal  was  obtained  in  Oregon, 
but  no  notes  were  furnished  by  the  person  who  obtained  it.  The 
formation  of  its  hind  legs  leaves  but  little  room  to  doubt  that  its 
habits  are  similar  to  those  of  the  jumping  mice,  Meriones  lahradorhi's 
(Richardson),  which  are  inhabitants  of  the  same  rej^ion.  Its  singu- 
larly large  head,  which  equals  its  body  in  bulk,  its  ample  cheek- 
pouches,  long  hind  legs,  and  long  tail,  present  a  general  form  which  is 
peculiar  and  altogether  very  remarkable.  On  dissection,  the  stomach 
was  found  to  contain  a  pulpy  matter,  which  appeared  to  be  the  re- 
mains of  a  bulbous  root.  The  liver  is  very  large,  and  consists  of  five 
foliaceous  lobes ;  we  were  not  able  to  detect  any  gall-bladder.  The 
specimen  is  a  female,  and  presents  the  rudiments  of  a  fourth  molar 
tooth  in  each  side  of  the  lower  jaw,  which  would  eventually  have  re- 
placed the  front  ones,  already  much  worn." 


4.  Family  SCIURIDiE.— The  Squirrels. 

1.  Genus  SCIURUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  86  (1766). 

1.  SciURUS  FOSSOR,  Rah. — The  Digger  Squirrel. 

Sri'urus/oisor,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Mamm.  p.  55  (1st  ed.  1848). 
Sciurm  Heermanni,  Leconte,  Proc.  Acad.  Philad.  VI,  p.  149  (1852). 
Sciunti  Clarkii,  H.  Smith,  Oriff.  Cuv.  Ill,  p.  189  (1827)  ? 

Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  IX.    Adult. 

S.  supra  e  nigro  alhoque  intermlxtis  grisetis,  stihtus  albiis,  aurlbm  magnlH 

13 


50 


MAMMALOGY. 


breviter  pilosis,  naso  nigro,  cauda  disticha,  albomanjinata,  corpore 
non  breviore. 

FoKM. — Large  and  rather  heavy,  somewhat  resembling  S.  cinereua. 
Hairs  rather  long  and  coarse;  whiskers  shorter  than  the  head; 
ears  large  (not  fringed),  subtriangular,  rounded  at  the  tip,  covered 
on  both  sides  with  short  hair.     Tail  long ;  legs  strong  and  robust. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin)  from  tip  of  nose  to  end  of  tail, 
including  the  hair  on  the  latter,  about  twenty -six  inches ;  head,  three 
and  a  quarter  inches;  tail  including  hair,  fourteen  inches;  length 
of  ear,  one  inch ;  fore  foot,  two  inches ;  hind  foot,  three  inches ;  hair 
at  end  of  tail,  two  and  three-quarter  inches.  Incisors,  two  in  each 
jaw;  molars,  five  in  the  upper  and  four  in  the  under  jaw  on  each 
side. 

Colors. — Body  above  light  gray;  hairs  gray  at  base,  then  black, 
with  bands  of  white  near  the  middle,  becoming  duller  and  gray 
towards  the  point,  and  some  hairs  pure  black.  A  small  spot  towards 
the  top  of  the  nose  and  an  obscure  line  over  the  eye,  black ;  whiskers 
black;  ears  gray;  incisors  on  their  exterior  surface,  dark  orange, 
beneath  white.  Hair  of  the  tail  black,  with  gray  at  base  and  tipped 
with  white,  rather  lighter  on  its  under  surface. 

Hab. — Oregon  and  California.  Specimen  in  Mus.  Acad.  Philadel- 
phia, and  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

This  fine  species  h.as  now  been  brought  by  several  naturalists  from 
California,  the  first  of  which  was  Dr.  A.  L.  Heermann,  whose  speoi- 
n]en  was  described  by  our  esteemed  friend,  Dr.  John  L.  Leconte,  one 
of  the  most  accomplished  and  eminent  of  American  naturalists,  as 
above  cited.  There  was  at  that  time  no  copy  of  Mr.  Peale's  volume 
in  the  city  of  Philadelphii,  and  from  the  fact  that  a  part  only  of  the 
Government  edition  of  one  hundred  copies  was  distributed  and  no 
other  published,  its  contents  were  necessarily  but  little  known.  Dr. 
Leconte  was,  however,  the  first  to  inform  us  that  his,  and  the  species 
described  by  Mr.  Peale,  were  identical. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  with  reference  to  this  animal : 

'•  In  the  southern  parts  of  Oregon,  there  is  a  large  species  of  pine 


G  L  I  R  E  S. 


51 


(Hnua  Lamberiii,  Douglas),  which  produces  a  cone  about  fifteen 
inches  long  and  eighteen  in  circumference.  The  gum  or  resin  which 
exudes  where  this  tree  has  been  wounded,  is  sweet,  tasting  like  manna, 
which  it  also  resembles  in  appearance  and  in  its  gentle  purgative 
qualities.  The  fruit  of  this  pine  furniahes  food  for  the  natives,  as 
well  as  to  the  subject  of  this  description,  which  is  one  of  the  largest 
of  the  American  Squirrels. 

"  This  species  was  found  by  our  party  wherever  we  saw  the 
above-mentioned  pine.  It  digs  holes  in  the  ground,  to  which  it  re- 
treats when  pursued  or  shot  at,  although  it  is  able  to  climb  with  great 
facility.  In  this  respect  it  greatly  resembles  our  common  ground 
squirrel  (Tamias  Lysteri,  Ray),  but  does  not  so  habitually  live  on  the 
ground,  being  most  frequently  seen  in  the  pine  trees." 

Dr.  Heermann's  specimens,  now  in  the  Museum  of  the  Philadelphia 
Academy,  are  rather  smaller  than  those  in  the  collection  of  the  Expe- 
dition, but  are  evidently  1  "e  same  specifically.  We  entirely  coincide 
in  the  suspicion  expressed  by  Messrs.  Audubon  and  Bachman,  in 
Quadrupeds  of  Nortli  America,  III,  p.  342,  that  tnis  species  may  be 
Sciarus  Clarkii,  H.  Smith,  as  above  cited. 


5.  Family  HYSTRIOID^.— The  Porcupines. 

1.  Genus  HYSTRIX,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  76  (1766). 

1.  HrsTRix  DORSATA,  Lhin. — The  North  American  Porcupine. 

ni/strix  dorsata,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  76  (1766). 

Hifstrix  pihmts,  Richardson,  Faun.  Bor.  Am,  Manim.  p.  214  (1829). 

Ifi/slrix  hiuhont'us,  AucT. 

Aud.  and  Bach.  Quad,  of  N.  A.  Plate  X^X;VI.;  oct.  ed.  I,  Plate 

XXXVI.  .   ;;.._V.,U  V  W  i\  .«_,.^ 

The  North  American  PorcupjjiQ  does  not  tippwi,r ,  to  have  been 
observed  by  the  naturalists  of  tllb"  .EKp^tJitlqh;  but;9.,ccoJ:dii)g;tp,Mr. 
Peale  its  quills  were  obtained  in  Oregon. ""■;••  ^  .,;;  ,   v 

Mr.  Peale  observes  with  reference  to  this  species : 

"  The  '  quills'  of  this  species  of  porcupine  were  obtained  from  some 


62 


MAMMALOGY. 


Indiaus,  whom  we  met  while  crossing  the  Shasty  Mountains,  lying 
between  Oregon  and  California.  There  can  be  little  doubt  of  the 
animal's  inhabiting  that  part  of  the  continent  near  the  Pacific  Ocean, 
about  the  forty-second  degree  of  latitude,  although  unknown  to  be 
there  by  the  traders  and  trappers  of  fur-bearing  animals,  who  occa- 
sionally cross  that  tract  of  country  in  search  of  beavers  in  Upper 
California.  The  Indians  from  whom  we  obtained  the  quills,  are 
generally  hostile  to  white  people,  and  all  the  surrounding  tribes  of 
their  own  color,  and  we  believe  could  not  have  obtained  the  porcupine 
quills  in  trade,  because  they  are  not  used  by  the  Indians  in  the  south 
of  Oregon  for  embroidery,  as  they  are  in  the  north." 


2.  Genus  DOLICHOTIS,  Besmarest,  Mamm.  p.  359,  3G0  note  (1820). 
1.  DoLiCHOTis  PATAcnoxicA  (Sltaw). — The  Patagonian  Cavy. 

Cavia  pntachonica,  Shaw,  Gen.  Zool.  II,  p.  226  (1801). 
J/(im  wjo^t//aH(ca,  Lesson,  Cent.  Zool.  p.  113  (1830). 

Shaw,  Zool.  II,  Plate  CLXV.    Less.  Cent.  Plate  XLII. 


Under  date  of  January  30th,  1839,  at  the  Rio  Negro,  in  Patagonia, 
we  find  the  following  note  relating  to  this  little  an'mal,  in  Dr.  Picker- 
ing's journal : 

"  The  Patagonian  Cavy  is  very  common,  and  usually  passes  by  tbo 
name  of '  hare.'  Its  dentition  does  not  differ  materially  from  that  of 
the  other  cavies  (O/tloromi/s),  at  least  in  the  upper  jaw,  except  that 
the  last  molar  has  three  lobes  instead  of  two. 

"  In  one  of  my  excursions,  I  started  a  party  of  six  of  these  little 
animals,  which  ran  away  with  considerable  swiftness,  and  somewhat 
to  my  surprise,  keeping  strictly  in  single  file.  I  was  told  by  residents 
that  this  was:.  flie'case.'Vvh^' found  in  companies,  for  the  purpose  of 
adhenftg' to  the 'paths  to' tlWit'  burrows.  This  cavy  was  said,  hov- 
ever,  t6  be  most 'u^nally  fon^d  in  pairs,  though  perhaps  not  at  the 
seasdii  of -our  visit.'  Or!  aflcWer  occasion  I  found  four  together,  two 
of  •vvlirch  took  refuge  in  their  burrows,  while  the  others  disappeared 
over  a  ridge.  The  gait  of  this  animal  reminded  ine  of  that  of  a  hare, 
but  it  has  a  peculiar  and  rather  awkward  limp.   Its  burrows  are  large, 


0  L  I  R  E  S. 


53 


and  it  frequently  has  for  a  companion  h,  species  of  burrowing  owl,  of 
which  specimens  have  been  obtained. 

"  A  young  specimen  brought  living  on  board  had  a  whistling  cry, 
not  loud.    It  made  no  attempt  to  bite." 


8.  Genus  CAVIA,  GmeliH.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  120  (1788). 

1.  Cavia  porcellus  {Linn.). — The  Guinea  Pig. — The  Variegated 

Cavy. 

Mu>  porcellm,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  79  (1766). 
Cavia  aperea,  Erxleben,  3Iamra.  p.  348  (1777). 
Cavia  cohaya,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  122  (1788). 
Cavia  obicura,  LicuTS.  Verz.  p.  3  (1823). 

Dr.  Pickering  observes  with  reference  to  this  animal : 
"  From  information  derived  from  residents,  I  am  inclined  to  suppose 
that  the  native  country  of  the  *  cuy'  or  guinea  pig,  extends  to  the 
mountains  or  forests  of  Eastern  Peru,  and  is  not  exclusively  Guiana 
or  Brazil,  as  has  been  supposed.  It  is  a  common  domestic  animal 
throughout  Peru." 


4.  Genus  LAGOTIS,  Bennett,  Trans.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  I,  p.  59  (lSo5). 
1.  Lagotis  pallipes,  Bennett. — The  Visacha. 
Lagotis  pallipes,  Benn.  Trans.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  I,  p.  332  (1836). 
Trans.  Zool.  Soc  London,  I,  Pl-ite  XLII. 

In  relation  to  this  species,  we  introduce  the  following  from  the 
journal  of  Dr.  Pickering : 

"  This  animal  is  very  common  on  all  the  barren  stony  hills  of 
Western  Peru,  even  in  the  immediate  vicinity  ol  Lima, — so  much  so 
that  it  is  difficult  to  determine  how  it  finds  sustenance,  unless  it  re- 
sorts to  roots,  for  instance,  the  deep-buried  bulbs  of  the  Amaryllis 
tribe. 

14 


64 


MAMMALOGY. 


'•  Its  appearance  is  very  nearly  that  which  would  be  presented  by  a 
rabbit  with  a  long  tail.  It  forms  burrows,  which  are  frequently  also 
tenanted  by  a  species  of  burrowing  owl.  Though  here  commonly 
called  *  viscacha,'  it  is  entirely  diflerent  from  the  animal  bearing  the 
same  name  on  the  plains  of  Buenos  Ayres," 


6.  Genus  DASYPUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  53  (1766). 
1.   Dasypus  minutus,  Desmaresi. — The  Patagonian  Armadillo. 
7/a»y/jM8  mtn«/u«,  Desm.  Mamm.  p.  371  (1820). 

From  notes  in  Dr.  Pickering's  journal,  made  at  the  Rio  Negro, 
Patagonia,  we  introduce  the  following  relating  to  this  species : 

"An  armadillo  is  abundant,  and  is  apparently  the  ' Tatou-pichy'  of 
Azara.  Several  specitnens  have  been  brought  on  board,  which  buried 
themselves  in  a  cask  of  sand  with  great  facility.  They  proved  to  be 
exceedingly  quarrelsome,  and  fought  each  other  almost  incessantly, 
presenting  in  their  battles  some  very  peculiar  and  quite  ludicrous 
features.  The  one  likely  to  be  overcome,  rolled  himself  up  as  a  last 
resort,  and  waited  quietly  until  the  victor  desisted.  They  inflicted  no 
inconsidcvable  wounds  with  the  nails  of  the  fore  feet,  directing  their 
exertio'.is  to  the  skin  between  the  dorsal  bands,  and  endeavoring  to 
bite  each  other's  ears.  At  other  times  they  were  more  peaceable, 
making  no  attempt  to  bite,  and  on  the  floor  were  rather  disposed  to 
be  inactive. 

"  These  animals  devoured  meat  with  some  voracity,  masticating  it 
apparently  very  effectually,  and  lapped  water  with  the  tongue,  which 
is  rather  the  contrary  of  Azara's  observation.  Another  larger  species 
was  mentioned  by  residents,  but  not  seen  during  the  stay  of  the  Expe- 
dition." ' 


U  N  G  U  L  A  T  A. 


65 


5.  Order  UNGULATA.— The  Hoofed  Mammals. 


I 


1.  Family  CEilVID/Il.— The  Doers,  Elks,  Moose,  &c. 
1.  Genus  CERVUS,  Linnceui,  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  92  (1766). 

1.  Cervus  AMericanus  {Jefferson). — The  American  Elk. 

Alces  americanus,  Jefferson,  Notes  on  Virginia,  p.  87  (London,  1787). 
Cervu$  stronijyloceros,  ScHREBER,  Saugthiere,  V,  p.  1074  (1836)? 
Cervut  major,  Ord.  Guthrie's  Geog.  II,  p.  292  (1815). 
Elaphus  canadensii  (Briss.),  De  Kay,  Nat.  Hist.  New  York,  I,  p.  118. 

Schreb.  Saugth.  V,  Plate  CCXLVII.  Audubon  and  Bachman,  Quad. 
N.  A.  Plate  LXII;  oct.  ed.  Ill,  Plate  LXXVI. 

This  fine  species,  well  known  as  the  largest  of  the  North  American 
Cervidce,  is  frequently  mentioned  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition 
as  having  been  observed  in  Oregon  and  California.  In  the  latter 
country  it  appears  to  be  especially  abundant,  more  so,  perhaps,  than  in 
any  other  portion  of  the  United  States.  Mr.  Peale's  remarks  on  this 
animal  are  as  follows : 

"'Wapiti,'  'Wawaskiss,'  * Waskeesews,'  ' Wawaskeesho,'  and  as 
many  other  Indian  names  are  applied  to  this  animal,  as  there  are 
tribes  of  Indians  speaking  different  dialects  of  language,  in  the  wide 
belt  of  country  which  it  inhabits.  Elk  is  the  name  universally  adopted 
by  all  who  speak  the  English  language  in  the  same  districts,  where 
the  moose  [Cervus  alces,  L.),  known  by  the  name  of  elk  in  Northern 
Europe,  is  seldom,  if  ever,  found. 

"  It  still  exists  on  the  upper  branches  of  the  Susquehanna  River, 
and  thence  westwardly,  may  occasionally  be  found  in  all  favorable 
situations,  in  greater  or  less  numbers,  to  the  Pacific  Ocean.  Tho^e 
observed  by  the  members  of  the  Expedition  on  the  mountains  south 
of  the  Columbia  River,  were  of  unusual  size  and  in  considerable  num- 
bers. 


56 


MAMMALOGY. 


"In  California,  this  animal  is  very  abundant,  and  commonly  fre- 
quents the  plains,  as  it  does  in  the  country  on  the  upper  parts  of  the 
Missouri  River.  Though  not  generally  so  large  as  when  found  in- 
habiting mountain  districts,  we  can  find  no  specific  character  to 
separate  one  from  the  other.  Thsy  all  have  the  same  strong,  blunt, 
canine  teeth  in  the  upper  jaw  only,  light-colored  rumps,  short  tails, 
&c.  They  go  in  larger  herds  than  any  other  deer  in  America,  except- 
ing, perhaps,  the  caribou  {Cervns  tarandm,  L.),  and,  notwithstanding 
the  specific  name,  canadensis,  must  not  be  considered  a  northern 
species." 

Df.  Pickering  frequently  mentions  this  animal  in  that  portion  of  his 
journal  which  relates  to  California.  We  take  the  liberty  of  introduc- 
ing the  following  extracts,  which  are  from  his  notes  made  during  a 
boat-voyage  up  the  Sacramento  River : 

"August  27th,  1841. — At  sunset,  a  bear  having  been  seen  on  the 
bank,  landed  with  Messrs.  Alden,  Sandford,  Elliott,  and  Hammersly, 
when  we  immediately  discovered  a  herd  of  elk,  which  we  endeavored 
to  approach  within  gunshot,  abandoning  our  proposed  search  for  the 
bear. 

"  The  herd  consisted  of  perhaps  thirty,  principally  females,  or  young 
males,  and  as  they  formed  themselves  into  a  group,  apparently  await- 
ing our  arrival,  presented  a  highly  imposing  appearance.  The  father 
or  chieftain  of  the  flock  maintained  in  some  measure  a  position  in  the 
centre,  and  his  immense  horns  appeared  almost  to  overshadow  the 
party.  At  intervals  they  uttered  a  short  kind  of  roar,  more  like 
barking  than  the  voice  of  a  hoofed  animal,  and  our  situation  would 
have  been  exceedingly  precarious,  were  it  the  instinct  of  this  animal 
to  attack  man.  They  did  not  allow  us  to  approach  within  the  range 
of  our  fire-arms,  but  after  turning  and  wheeling  around  several  times, 
made  off  at  such  a  rate  that,  considering  the  lateness  of  the  hour,  we 
did  not  deem  it  prudent  to  pursue. 

"September  2d. — Elk  heard  whistling,  and  a  young  male  with  two 
females  noticed  by  a  party  which  landed.  Did  not  allow  us  to  ap- 
proach within  gunshot. 

"  September  9th. — The  velvety  covering  of  the  horns  of  the  elk  is 
stated  by  Dr.  Richardson,  in  Fauna  Boreali-Americana,  to  be  rubbed 
off"  in  October.  This  is  evidently  dependent  somewhat  on  locality,  as 
here,  in  California,  it  was  completely  gone  in  the  last  week  of  August. 


U  N  G  U  L  A  T  A. 


6T 


"  F.  Cuvier's  coniparinon  of  the  cry  of  this  animal  to  the  pronuncin- 
tion  of  the  vowels  a-o-ii,  is  by  no  means  inaccurate,  especially  if  we 
suppose  the  sounds  so  shrill  as  almost  to  resemble  whistling,  by  which 
name  it  is  commonly  alluded  tu  by  residents  and  hunters.  There  is 
a  popular  notion  here  that  it  is  produced  through  the  lachrymal  sac, 
which  of  course  is  erroneous. 

"  The  flesh  of  the  elk  is  highly  jjiized  in  California,  and  preferred 
to  venison,  notwithstanding  statements  of  authors.  F.  Cuvier's  dimen- 
sions of  this  animal  seem  to  be  too  small.  A  specimen  killed,  ap- 
peared to  me  as  fully  equalling  if  not  exceeding  a  cow  in  height  and 
bulk.  The  back  in  this  specimen  was  rubbed  and  sore  from  contact 
with  the  horns,  carried  backwards.  Tail  very  short.  It  was  not  in 
my  power  to  make  an  accurate  measurement." 


Cervus  macrotis,  Suy. — The  Mule  Deer. 


Cervus  macrotis,  Say,  Long's  Exp.  II,  p.  88  (1823). 
Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  X.     Adult. 

This  species  is  now  well  established,  though  it  does  not  appear  to 
have  been  known  to  naturalists  before  the  Expedition  of  Lewis  and 
Clarke,  and  even  since,  has  been  frequently  confounded  with  the  pre- 
ceding and  other  species.  It  is  apparently  more  an  exclusive  inhabi- 
tant of  the  interior  of  the  continent  than  others. 

No  specimen  of  the  mule  deer  is  in  the  present  collection,  nor  does 
it  appear  to  have  been  met  with  in  the  course  of  the  voyage  of  the 
Expedition,  but  we  cite  Mr.  Peale's  description  and  remarks  at  length 
as  being  a  detailed  account  of  this  species,  the  materials  for  which  he 
evidently  derives  from  observations  made  during  Long's  Expedition, 
to  which  he  was  attached.  It  will  be  observed,  that  he  especially 
states  the  specimen  described  by  him  as  the  same  which  served  for 
the  description  of  Mr.  Say,  who  was  also  attached  to  Major  Long's 
party.  The  specimen  alluded  to,  was,  we  believe,  formerly  in  Peale's 
Museum  in  Philadelphia : 

"  Rather  larger  than  Cervus  vinjinianus,  and  having  more  of  the 
general  aspect  of  C.  canadensis,  destitute  of  the  black  submaxillary 
marks  which  are  always  conspicuous  in  C.  Lewisii  and  C  virginiamts. 

15 


58 


MAMMALOGY. 


Horns  larger  and  more  spreading,  but  having  the  points  turned  forward 
in  the  same  manner;  snout  more  arched,  and  the  lac hrymal  opening 
larger ;  hoofs  rounded,  the  under  surface  concave ;  tail  pale  terruginous 
above,  destitute  of  hair  beneath,  and  having  a  tuft  of  black  hair  at  the 
extremity.  Color  pale  ferruginous,  darkest  on  tiie  back,  lighter 
beneath ;  chin,  throat,  inside  of  the  thighs  and  belly,  dirty  white  ; 
hair  flattened  and  undulating ;  eyelashes  and  whiskers  black ;  iridea 
dark  brown;  pupils  blue-black  and  horizontally  linear,  ears  large, 
almost  naked,  dark  colored  externally,  and  lined  with  scattered  white 
hairs  internally. 

"  Total  length,  five  feet  seven  inches ;  tail,  seven  and  a  half  inches ; 
black  tuft,  five  and  a  half  inches ;  height  at  the  shoulder,  three  feet ; 
at  the  rump,  three  feet  four  inches;  circumference,  breast,  three  feet 
three  inches;  abdomen,  three  feet  nine  inches;  space  between  the 
horns,  two  and  three-tenths  inches ;  length  of  the  horns  hy  the  curve, 
one  foot  four  and  a  half  inches ;  lachrymal  opening,  one  inch  ;  ear  in 
length,  ten  inches ;  width,  four  inches ;  from  the  base  of  the  ear  to 
the  shoulder,  one  foot ;  fore  leg  from  the  carpal  joint  to  the  point  of 
the  hoof,  one  foot  one  inch ;  hoof,  one  and  six-tenths  of  an  inch ; 
measured  along  the  commissure  beneath,  two  and  a  half  inches ;  in 
width,  two  inches;  hind  foot  from  the  os  calcis  to  the  tip  of  the  hoof, 
one  foot  six  and  a  half  inches;  hoot,  one  and  seven-tenths  of  an  inch ; 
along  the  commissure  beneath,  two  and  a  half  inches ;  width,  one  and 
six-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  spurious  hoofs,  eight-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  width, 
nine-tenths  of  an  inch. 

"  Dental  formula :  incisors,  I ;  canine,  g  I ;  molars,  §  g  =  32. 

"  The  specimen  from  which  our  description  is  taken,  was  killed 
on  the  1st  of  August,  and  is  consequently  in  summer  hair.  The 
horns  woiv.  not  fully  grown,  but  are  carefully  delineated  in  our  plate, 
and  will  give  a  correct  idea  of  their  appearance  when  covered  with 
'  velvet,' — a  term  used  by  hunters  to  express  the  nature  of  the  sjiort 
liair  which  covers  the  horns  of  deer  when  they  are  growing.  It  is 
the  sam*?  specimen  described  by  Mr.  Say,  and  the  drawing  for  Plate 
X,  is  finished  from  a  sketch  made  on  the  spot.  The  landscape  and 
backgromid  of  the  plate  being  sketched  at  the  same  time,  are  given 
as  characteristic  of  the  country  generally  inhabited  by  the  mule  deer. 

"  From  observation,  and  all  the  information  collected,  we  believe 
this  species,  in  it.^  geographical  range,  is  confined  to  the  Rocky  Moun- 
tains.    It  is  most  abundant  on  the  eastern  slope,  and  delights  in  rocky 


UNGULATA. 


50 


hills  covered  with  cedar  and  pine  trees.  By  the  flattened  and  concave 
formation  of  its  hoofs,  it  is  enabled  to  climb  the  rocky  steeps  with 
much  greater  facility  than  other  species  of  deer,  and  for  the  same 
reason  we  infer  that  it  is  more  at  ease  in  the  snowy  regions  of  the 
mountains." 


3.  Cervus  Lewisii,  Pisale. — The  Black-tailed  Deer. 

Cervu»  Leieisii,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Mamm.  p.  39  (1st  ed.  1848). 

Cervus  mavrotit,  var.  columhiana,  Hichardson,  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  I,  p.  257  (1829). 

Cervus  macrourus,  Ham  Smith,  Griff.  Cuv.  V,  p.  316  (1827)!' 


Atlas,  Mammalogy,  Plate  XI.    Adult. 


Though  known  since  the  time  of  Lewis  and  Clarke,  this  species  was 
first  accurately  described  by  Mr.  Peale.  Usually  confounded  by 
naturalists  with  the  preceding  and  other  species,  it  is  clearly  and 
evidently  distinct,  and  apparently  peculiar  to  the  countries  of  North 
America  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

Mr.  Peale's  description  and  observations  are  as  follows : 

"  Horns  shaped  like  those  of  Cervus  vlrgiiuamin,  but  more  slender, 
and  commonly  without  the  basal  antler.  General  form  rounded  and 
compact;  color  of  the  hair  (in  October),  yellowi.«h-brown,  lighter 
beneath,  not  flattened,  but  slightly  undulating,  a  black  or  dark-brown 
band  encircling  the  nose  and  under  jaw ;  chin,  belly,  and  inside  of  the 
legs  yellowish-white  ;  a  dark  line  along  the  middle  of  the  breast ;  tail 
curved,  covered  with  hair  at  all  seasons,  tufted  towards  the  extremity, 
black  above,  and  yellowish-white  beneath.  Feet  pale,  raw,  sienna- 
colored  ;  hoofs  bluish  Ijorn-color,  narrow  and  small. 

"  Dental  formula :  incisors,  ^ ;  canines,  ^  '^ ;  molars,  g  g  =  32. 

"  Specimen  killed  on  Feather  River,  Upper  California :  total  length, 
including  the  tail,  six  feet  one  and  a  half  inches;  tail,  ten  inches; 
height  at  the  shoulder,  three  feet  two  inches ;  at  the  rump,  three 
feet  three  inches ;  from  the  shoulder  to  the  tail,  three  feet  .si.x  inches ; 
from  the  lower  jaw  tt>  the  shouldor,  one  loot  one  inch  ;  ear,  length, 
ten  inches;  width,  three  and  three-quarter  inches;  circumference  of 
the  neck,  one  foot ;  of  the  chest,  three  foot  eight  inches ;  nose  to  tlie 
occiput,  twelve  and  three-quartor  inches;   nose  to  the  horns,  nine 


60 


MAMMALOGY. 


m 


inches ;  to  the  eye,  seven  inches ;  lachrymal  sinus  in  length,  one  inch ; 
in  depth,  seven-eighths  of  an  inch. 

"  This  specimen  was  of  full  size,  but  had  small  horns  and  one  basal 
antler  on  the  right  side,  which  was  about  three  inches  long,  situated 
inside  and  directed  upwards  and  backwards.  The  skin  was  lost  in 
descending  the  Sacramento  River. 

"  Specimen  killed  at  the  Bay  of  San  Francisco  :  horns  two-pronged, 
separated  at  the  base,  two  inches ;  at  the  points,  eight  and  one-quarter 
inches ;  length  by  the  curve,  fifteen  and  a  half  inches ;  first  antler, 
nine  inches ;  second,  two  and  a  quarter  inches  ;  fore  hoof,  in  length, 
two  and  a  half  inches ;  width,  one  and  four-fifths  of  an  inch ;  hind 
hoof,  in  length,  two  and  a  half  inches ;  width,  one  and  four-fifths  of 
an  inch ;  spurious  hoofs,  fore  feet,  one  inch ;  in  width,  three-quarters 
of  an  inch ;  spurious  hoofs,  hind  feet,  seven-eighths  of  an  inch ;  in 
width,  three-quarters  of  an  inch. 

"  This  species  has  a  glandular  sac,  about  an  inch  and  a  quarter  long, 
opening  on  the  outside  of  the  hind  legs,  half  way  between  the  as  calcis 
and  the  spurious  hoof,  similar  to  that  in  Cervua  virginiamis. 

"  This  deer  was  first  seen  and  described  by  our  adventurous  country- 
men, Captains  Lewis  and  Clarke,  whose  description,  published  in  their 
journal,  in  the  year  1807,  ia  so  accurate,  that  we  subjoin  it  entire, 
adding  only  the  scientific  names  of  the  other  species  with  which  they 
compared  it : 

"  *  The  black-tailed  fallow  deer  are  peculiar  to  this  coast,  and  are 
a  distinct  species;  partaking  equally  of  the  qualities  of  the  mule  dtor 
[Ccrvtis  macrotin),  and  the  common  deer  (C.  virginianus).  Their  ears 
are  longer  than  those  of  the  common  deer.  The  receptacle  of  the 
eye  is  more  conspicuous,  their  legs  shorter,  and  their  bodies  thicker 
and  larger.  The  tail  is  of  the  same  length  with  that  of  the  common 
deer;  the  hair  on  the  under  side  is  white,  and  on  its  sides  and  top  of 
a  deen  ietty  black ;  the  hams  resemble  in  form  and  color  those  of  the 
mule  deer,  which  they  likewise  resemble  in  gait. 

"  '  The  black-tailed  deer  never  runs  at  full  speed,  but  bounds  with 
every  foot  from  the  ground  at  the  same  time,  like  the  mule  deer.  He 
sometimes  inhabits  the  woodlands,  but  more  often  the  prairies  and 
open  grounds.  It  may  generally  be  said  that  he  is  a  size  larger  than 
the  common  deer  and  less  than  the  mule  deer.  The  llesh  is  seldom 
fat,  and  in  flavor  is  far  inferior  to  any  other  species.' 

"  We  propose  the  name  Liwml,  from  the  conviction  that  the  above 


UNGULATA. 


61 


description,  written  forty  years  since  on  the  Columbia  River,  was  in- 
tended for  the  animal  now  before  us.  In  courtesy,  we  should  have 
called  it  Golumhiana,  as  suggested  by  Dr.  Richardson,  in  Fauna 
Boreali  Americana,  but  that  name  would  imply  locality,  and  he  has 
not  chosen  a  correct  one. 

"  The  geographic  range  of  this  species,  by  our  own  observations, 
appears  to  be  limited  on  the  north  by  the  Columbia  River,  where  a 
few  are  sometimes  found.  South  of  the  Umpqua  River,  it  occupies 
the  country  to  the  entire  exclusion  of  the  Virginia  deer.  It  is  seldom 
seen  east  of  the  Cascade  range  of  mountains,  but  abounds  in  Cali- 
fornia. 

"  The  black-tailed  deer  never  ca  'ries  its  tail  erect  when  running, 
and,  viewed  from  behind,  shows  two  narrow  white  lines  of  hair,  instead 
of  the  large,  white,  and  elevated  tail  c^  the  Virginia  deer,  seen  in  the 
same  position.  When  on  i  he  prairies,  in  long  grass,  it  has  c»  habit 
which  is  somewhat  peculiar, — that  of  frequently  springing  up  to  a  con- 
siderable height  to  get  sight  of  its  pursuers.  Most  of  the  bucks  killed 
in  the  mountainous  regions  of  the  southern  part  of  Oregon  had  a  basal 
antler  on  the  inner  side  of  the  horn,  which  was  directed  upwards  and 
backwards ;  those  killed  on  the  plains  in  California  seldom  had  it." 


PORK  FOOT  OF  C.  MAfROTIS. 


KORE  FOOT  OP  C.  I.EWISII. 


4.  Cervus  VIRGINIA  nus,  Qmelin. — The  Common  Deer. 


Cervm  virginianus,  Qm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  179  (1788). 

Cervtu  amertcanm,  Erxleben,  Syst.  Regn.  Ac.  I,  p.  312  (1777). 

Cervut  mexicanuK,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  179  (1788)  ? 

Cervus  clavatus,  Ham.  Smith,  Griff.  Cuv.  V,  No.  793  (1827)  ? 

Cervut  kucurus,  Douolas  ? 


Ti" 


62  MAMMALOGY. 

Aud.  and  Bach.  Quad,  of  N.  A.  Plates  LXXXI,  CXXXVI. 

This  species,  perhaps  the  most  interesting  of  all  the  quadrupeds  of 
North  America,  appears  to  extend  its  range  throughout  the  entire 
temperate  regions  of  North  America.  Tliough  now  comparatively 
rare  in  the  more  thickly  populated  portions  of  the  United  States,  it  is 
of  frequent  occurrence  wherever  the  primitive  forest  affords  it  the 
necessary  protection,  and  is  highly  valuable  and  important  as  food  to 
the  pioneer  settler,  or  to  the  traveller. 

In  Oregon,  this  species  is  mentioned  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Ex- 
pedition as  having  been  frequently  seen ;  and  we  find  no  circumstances 
tending  to  excite  a  suspicion  that  there  is  any  difference  specifically, 
between  the  animals  of  the  western  and  the  eastern  shores  of  the  con- 
tinent. 

Mr.  Peale's  remarks  are  as  follows  :  ■ 

*'  Numbers  of  deer  were  seen  and  killed  at  different  times,  by  the 
members  of  the  Expedition,  while  in  Oregon.  They  were  found  most 
numerous  near  the  coast  of  the  Pacific  Ocean,  where  their  range  is  up 
to  the  fiftieth  degree  of  latitude,  and  probably  much  further  north. 
At  the  Umpqua  River,  in  latitude  43°,  they  give  place  to  the  black- 
tailed  deer  [Gervm  lewisii),  our  preceding  species,  which  occupies  the 
country  south  of  that  parallel,  to  the  almost  entire  exclusion  of  the 
present  animal. 

"  We  believe  that  the  same  species  of  deer  inhabits  all  the  timbered 
or  partially  timbered  country,  between  the  coasts  of  the  Atlantic  and 
Pacific  Oceans.  They  vary  in  size,  as  all  the  animals  of  this  genus 
do,  in  different  feeding-grounds,  but  they  are  specifically  the  same. 
The  names  of  animals,  unless  they  have  some  peculiarities  of  voice, 
vary  among  different  tribes  of  Indians,  as  among  white  people ;  but  it 
is  curious  that  the  '  sign*  for  this  species  is  everywhere  the  same,  and 
equally  understood  by  the  Indians  of  Maine,  Florida,  and  Oregon.  It 
is  founded  on  one  of  its  characteristic  actions.  When  alarmed,  this 
animal  always  erects  its  tail,  which,  being  white  beneath,  is  a  conspi- 
cuous object ;  and  when  running,  the  tail  is  still  kept  erect  and 
wagged  from  side  to  side.  Hence,  the  sign  made  by  all  the  Indians 
who  cannot  express  themselves  by  words,  is  to  raise  the  finger  or 
hand  to  a  perpendicular  position,  and  imitating  the  wagging  motion 
alluded  to, — a  coincidence  observed  in  Maine  and  Florida  on  the  east, 
aud  on  the  coast  of  the  Pacific  Ocean  on  the  west." 


r  N  G  U  L  A  T  A. 


68 


2.  Genus  ANTILOCAPRA,  Ord.  Jour,  du  Phys.  (1818). 
1.  Antilocapra  AMERICANA  {Ord.). — The  American  Antelope. 

Antihpe  americana,  Ord.  Guthrio'B  Geography,  II,  p.  292  (1815). 

Cfirvus  hamalus,  Blainville,  Nouv.  Bull.  Soc.  Philad.  Paris,  p.  10  (1816). 

Ant  Hope  furci/er,  Hamilton  Smith,  Trans.  Linn.  Soo.  London,  XIII,  p.  28  (1822), 

Faun.  Bor.  Am.  Mamm.  Plate  XXI.  Audubon  and  Bachraan, 
Quad,  of  N.  A.  Plate  LXXVII;  octavo  edition,  III,  Plate  LXXVII. 
Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  London,  XIII,  Plate  II. 

We  find  several  allusions  to  this  interesting  animal  in  the  notes  of 
Dr.  Pickering.  Under  date  of  24th  of  August,  1841,  in  California,  he 
says : 

"  To-day,  a  small  herd  of  antelopes  was  seen,  and  allowed  me  to 
approach  within  gunshot.  This  animal  when  living  is  scarcely  so 
light  and  graceful  as  its  name  would  lead  us  to  expect,  and,  in  fact, 
appeared  to  me  to  much  resemble  the  deer  in  its  movements ;  but  its 
horns  look  larger  proportionately.  Of  those  seen  to-day,  one  only 
had  horns,  and  nearly  all  the  others  appeared  to  be  young.  Color  the 
same  as  in  the  Missouri  species,  and  apparently  in  all  respects  the 
same  animal." 

Subsequently,  he  observes : 

"  Dr.  Marsh  assures  me  that  the  horns  of  this  animal  are  shed 
annually  like  those  of  the  deer.  The  small  figure  representing  a  front 
view  of  this  animal,  in  Fauna  Boreali  Americana,  is  good,  and  gives 
a  much  better  idea  of  it  than  the  larger.  The  running  figure  is  bad. 
Hernanc'az  gives  a  good  description  under  the  name  of  Teuthtlal- 
macume.  The  hair  is  remarkably  coarse,  and  as  if  inflated,  and  is 
easily  detached  from  the  skin.  It  certainly  forms  a  genus  distinct 
from  any  of  the  antelopes  of  the  Old  World  that  I  have  ever  had  an 
opportunity  of  seeing," 


64 


MAMMALOGY. 


3.  Genus  BOS,  Linn.  Sjst.  Nat.  I,  p.  98  (1766). 

1.  Bos  BUBALis,  lAnn. — The  Indian  Buffalo. 
Boi  bubalis,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  99  (1766). 
Schreber  Saugth.  V,  Plate  CCC. 

In  that  portion  of  his  journal  kept  at  the  Philippine  Islands,  in 
January,  1842,  Dr.  Pickering  has  the  following  observations  relating 
to  this  animal :  • 

"  The  buffalo  is  an  animal  very  useful  to  the  natives  in  these 
islands,  as  a  beast  of  burden,  and  is  so  employed  extensively.  Though 
probably  not  originally  found  here,  it  is  said  to  have  escaped  to  the 
woods,  and  to  have  now  become  wild.  It  appears  to  have  been  long 
domesticated  by  the  Malays. 

"  In  form,  this  animal,  though  not  so  tall,  is  much  stouter  propor- 
tionately and  more  massive  than  the  ox,  and  carries  its  head  much 
lower,  in  fact,  half  way  to  the  ground.  The  horns  are  differently 
directed,  not  rising  upwards,  and  approaching  very  near  to  each  other 
at  their  origin.  Its  voice  is  entirely  different,  and  much  lower,  re- 
minding me  in  some  measure  of  that  of  a  young  colt.  The  skin  is 
covered  with  thin  straight  hair,  frequently  scarcely  perceptible.  It  is 
frequently  to  be  seen  incrusted  with  mire,  in  which  it  appears  to  be 
as  fond  of  rolling  as  the  hog,  and  is  also  exceedingly  fond  of  the  water. 
Indeed,  it  seemed  to  '  "  the  practice  to  allow  it  daily  the  luxury  of 
bathing,  which  it  did  by  going  into  the  water  until  almost  completely 
submerged. 

"  In  the  Philippines,  this  animal  is  led  or  guided  by  a  cord  through 
its  nose,  and  is  used  £ot  riding  upon  as  well  as  in  carts.  It  is  appa- 
rently very  docile  generally,  under  the  management  of  the  natives, 
though  occasional  exceptions  occur.  I  saw  a  Malay  who  had  been 
seriously  injured  by  the  horn  of  a  buffalo.  It  is  said  to  be  especially 
ill-natUred  towards  white  men.  Its  flesh  is  stated  to  be  hard  and 
coarse,  and  much  inferior  to  that  of  the  ox. 


UNOULATA. 


65 


4.  Genus  AUCHENIA,  llliyer,  Prodromus,  p.  103  (1811). 

1.  AucHENiA  LAMA  {Linn). — The  Llama. — The  Guanaco. 
Camelu»  Glama,  LiNN.  Sjst.  Nat.  I,  p.  91  (1766). 

Though  several  species  of  this  genus  have  been  indicated  by  natu- 
ralists, we  are  at  present  unable  to  determine  to  which  of  them  the 
notes  in  Dr.  Pickering's  journal,  now  about  to  be  given,  are  appli- 
cable ;  and  insert  them,  therefore,  as  the  species  was  regarded  by  the 
earlier  naturalists,  under  the  name  above  given.  We  find  notes  at 
various  points  in  South  America,  the  first  of  which  is  at  the  Rio  Negro: 

"  A  species  of  guanaco  is  found  here,  though  not  mentioned  by 
Azara.  Several  robes  have  been  obtained,  and  a  living  specimen  of 
the  young  was  brought  on  board,  but  died  almost  immediately  after  its 
arrival." 

Also  at  Tierra  del  Fuego : 

"  Skins  of  a  guanaco  were  worn  by  the  natives  at  Good  Success 
Bay,  but  it  was  not  ascertained  that  the  animal  inhabited  this  region, 
and  probably  is  not  found  south  of  the  Straits  of  Magellan." 

Subsequently,  in  Chili,  the  species  inhabiting  that  country,  probably 
different  from  that  alluded  to  at  the  Rio  Negro,  came  under  Dr. 
Pickering's  personal  observation  in  its  native  wilds ;  with  reference 
to  which  we  introduce  the  following  from  his  journal : 

"  The  Chilian  guanaco  inhabits  a  district  which  may  aptly  be  termed 
the  Alpine  desert  of  the  Cordilleras,  in  which  cold  and  desolate  region 
the  herbage  is  so  scanty,  that  it  has  very  few  or  no  rivals.  We  saw 
this  animal  in  large  numbers,  looking  down  at  us  as  we  passed  along 
the  valleys,  and  apparently  scolding  in  a  very  peculiar  and  remarkable 
voice,  which  reminded  me  of  a  toy  called  the  '  parchment  rattle,'  and 
*  locust,'  by  the  boys  in  Philadelphia. 

"  This  animal  was  by  no  means  shy,  and  an  instance  occurred  in 
which  one  approached  within  pistol-shot,  from  no  other  motive  than 
curiosity,  that  I  could  assign.  On  another  occasion,  two  crossed  my 
path  at  about  the  same  distance.  The  Chilian  guanaco  appears  to 
me  to  be  an  entirely  diffi  rent  species  from  that  of  the  Rio  Negro,  and 

17 


66 


MAMMALOGY. 


appears  to  be  considerably  larger,  face  blackish,  wool  on  the  back 
very  coarse." 

In  Peru,  Dr.  Pickering  states  that  although  the  gnanaco  was  said 
to  be  common  about  the  ridges  and  summits  of  the  Cordilleras,  it  did 
not  come  under  bis  notice. 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


2.   Class  AYES-BIRDS. 

1.  Order  RAPTORES.— Rapacious  Birds. 

1.  Family  VULTURIDiE.— The  Vultures. 

1.  Genus  SARCORAMPHUS,  Dumeril,  Analyse,  p.  32  (1806). 

1.  SARCORAMPHUS  GRYPHUS  {Linn.). — The  Condor. 

Vultur  gryphus,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  121  (1766). 

Vultiir  magellanicus,  Shaw,  Mus.  Lever,  p.  1,  pi.  I  (1792). 

Vultur  condor,  SiiAW,  Gen.  Zool.  I,  p.  2  (1809). 

Bonap.  Am.  Orn.  IV,  Plate  XXII ;  Temm.  PI.  Col.  133,  408,  464  ; 
Zool.  Voy.  Bonit^,  Plate  II ;  Ilumb.  Obs.  Zool.  Plate  VIII,  IX. 

The  Condor  was  frequently  seen  by  the  naturalists  attached  to  the 
Expedition,  and  tlie  note-book  of  Dr.  Pickering  contains  observations 
relating  to  its  history  and  general  habits,  which  are  of  much  interest. 
Availing  ourselves  of  the  permission  kindly  granted  by  this  learned 
gentleman,  we  have  introduced  the  following  extracts  : 

"  Valparaiso,  April,  1839.  Two  condors,  soaring  high  in  the  air, 
were  seen  during  an  excursion  to  Santiago."  This  is  the  first  notice 
that  occurs  in  Dr.  Pickering  s  Journal ;  afterwards  he  says,  under  this 
date  : 

"  Callao,  May  22d,  1839.  In  its  proper  home,  and  where  it  presents 
itself  in  the  character  of  the  bold  and  fearless  bird  described  by  writers, 

18 


m 


70 


OUNITHOLOGY. 


I  first  observed  the  condor  in  the  higher  valleys  of  the  Cordilleras. 
Subsequently,  I  repeatedly  observed  it  among  the  Ainancaes  Moun- 
tains, near  Lima ;  occasionally,  along  the  sea-shoro,  and  once  saw  not 
less  than  twenty  perched  together  on  the  ground,  near  the  city  just 
mentioned. 

"  The  flight,  or  rather  the  sailing  of  the  condor  is  exceedingly  ma- 
jostlc,  and  frequently  so  slow  that  its  progression  is  scarcely  perceptible; 
the  bird,  in  the  meantime,  is  perfectly  motionless,  and  apparently  makes 
no  exertion  whatever,  unless  to  turn  its  head  or  incline  its  tail  in  chang- 
ing its  course.  In  this  manner,  the  condor  proceeds  slowly  through  the 
valleys,  often  sailing  within  a  short  distance  of  the  ground,  and  appar- 
ently little  regardijig  the  presence  of  man.  At  times,  however,  it  soars 
to  a  great  height. 

"  There  is  a  iieculiarity  in  the  flight  of  this  bird  which  I  do  not 
remember  to  have  seen  noticed,  which  is,  that  the  primaries  are  spread 
out  and  more  reflexed  than  in  any  other  bird  that  I  have  observed,  and 
almost  gives  to  the  fully  expanded  wing  a  dislocated  aspect.  I  have 
never  seen  it  flap  its  wings,  except  on  arising  from  the  ground. 

"  T'.u  condor  was  said  by  the  inhabitants  to  feed  only  on  recently 
dead  animals." 

But  the  most  interesting  of  Dr.  Pickering's  notes  relate  to  an  ad- 
venture with  a  condor,  near  Banos,  in  the  Andes,  to  which  an  excursion 
was  made,  from  Callao,  by  several  of  the  naturalists  and  artists  connected 
with  the  Expedition.  We  shall,  however,  continue  to  transcribe  from  his 
journal : 

"  Banos  is  at  the  limit  of  cultivation,  and  contains  perhaps  a  couple 
of  dozen  of  scattering  houses  and  a  church.  The  ravine  in  which  it  is 
situated  is  very  narrow,  and  its  bordering  mountains  are  very  much 
elevated,  and  so  rugged  and  steep  that,  as  one  of  our  party  observed, 
it  almost  appeared  that  the  cattle  grazing  on  their  sides  would  fall  oft". 

'•  Having  concluded  to  remain  here  for  the  day,  we  separated  into 
two  parties,  Messrs.  Rich  and  Agate  directing  their  steps  down  a 
stream  of  water,  and  Mr.  Breckenridge  and  myself  taking  another 
direction.  We  ascended  some  distance  on  the  heights  to  the  left, 
and  met  with  some  success  in  collecting  plants.  Having  become  sepa- 
rated from  my  companion,  I  continued  ascending  leisurely,  principally 
observing  the  plants  by  the  way,  and  the  acclivity  gradually  became 
steeper,  until  by  noon  I  had  reached  a  very  considerable  elevation. 
About  this  time,  I  noticed  a  condor  sailing  down  the  valley,  in  its 


R  A  P  T  O  R  E  8. 


71 


usual  stately  and  composed  manner,  and  I  stopped  to  observe  it. 
Much  to  my  ustonishment,  it  quickened  its  pace,  and  made  a  turn 
around  mo,  then  a  second,  and  a  third  ;  the  hist  time  so  near  that  I 
began  to  think  an  attack  was  seriously  meditated.  I  was  in  an  ex- 
ceedingly unfavorable  condition  for  so  tbrmidable  a  conflict,  being  con- 
siderably fatigued  by  climbing  up  the  steep  ascent,  and  my  right  hand 
partially  disabled  from  an  accident,  to  say  nothing  of  the  nature  of 
the  ground.  Upon  its  continuing  to  approach,  as  it  made  the  third 
circle  around  me,  I  seated  myself,  and  drew  my  knife,  at  the  moment 
of  doing  which,  as  though  it  understood  my  intentions,  it  suddenly 
wheeled  off  in  a  different  direction  and  quickly  disappeared,  and  I 
confess  that,  however  humiliating  the  acknowledgment,  1  was,  at  that 
time,  very  well  satisfied  with  its  determination." 

The  condor  has  been  given  by  the  Prince  lionaparte  (Continuation 
of  Wilson's  American  Ornithology,  IV,  p.  1),  and  by  Mr.  Nuttall 
(Manual  of  the  Ornithology  of  the  United  States  and  of  Canada,  T,  p. 
35),  as  a  bird  of  North  America,  but  we  suspect  upon  insufficient 
evidence.  A  bill  and  a  single  quill-feather  were  brought  by  the 
famous  explorers,  Lewis  and  Clark,  which  were  supposed  to  have 
belonged  to  this  species,  but  it  does  not  seem  improbable  that  these 
remains  ought  really  to  have  been  attributed  to  the  California  Vultm-e 
[Citthartes  caUfornianus),  which  is  also  a  large  species.  No  other  tra- 
vellers have  met  with  the  condor,  either  in  the  districts  visited  by 
Lewis  and  Clark  or  elsewhere,  in  any  part  of  the  territory  of  tlie 
United  States. 

The  best  descriptions  and  histories  of  this  celebrated  bird  are  those 
by  Humboldt,  in  Zoological  Observations,  I,  p.  26  (Rocueil  d'Observa- 
tiones  de  Zoologie  et  d'Anatomie  comparee,  Paris,  quarto,  1811),  and 
by  Darwin,  in  the  Zt)ology  of  the  Voyage  of  the  Beagle,  Birds,  p.  3 
(London,  1841),  and  by  the  same  author,  in  Voyage  of  a  Naturalist, 
I,  p.  234,  238  (American  edition,  New  York,  1846,  duodecimo). 


2.  Sarcobamphus  papa  {Linn.). — The  King  Vulture. 
Vulturpapa,  LiNN.  Syst.'  Nat.  I,  p.  122  (17GG). 


Buff.  PI.  Enl.  428 ;  Vieill.  Gal.  I,  Plate  III ;  Spix,  Av.  Bras.  I, 
Plate  I. 


72 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


This  fine  species,  the  only  biru  of  its  family  possessing  beauty  of 
plumage,  is  abundant  in  some  districts  of  South  and  Central  America. 
It  is  also  an  inhabitant  of  the  southern  parts  of  Mexico.  But,  although 
admitted  as  a  bird  of  the  United  states  by  Mr.  Nuttall,  no  authentic 
instance  of  its  having  been  observed  is  on  record  or  has  otherwise  come 
to  our  knowledge. 

This  bird  is  noticed  once  only  by  Dr.  Pickering,  from  whose  journal 
we  make  this  extract,  interesting  on  account  of  its  allusion  to  the  rapid 
flight  of  the  species  : 

"  The  King  Vulture  was  seen  two  or  three  times  in  the  vicinity  of 
Valparaiso.  Once,  with  its  broad  wings  half  closed  and  all  motion  in 
them  entirely  suspended,  I  observed  it  dartinr,'  with  amazing  velocity 
towards  some  object  that  had  attracted  lis  attention,  and  it  soon  dis- 
appeared." 


GENU8  CATHARTES,  Illl(jcr,  Prcdromus,  p.  236  (1811). 


1.  Cathartes  californianus  {Shaio). — The  California  Vulture. 


Vultur  caN/ornianus,  Shaw,  Nat.  Misc.  IX,  p.  1  (1797).  ' 

Vultiir  columbianus,  Ord.  Guthrie's  Geog.  II,  p.  315  (1815). 
Cathurlcs  vulturinus,  TjEMM.  PI.  Col.  I,  PI.  XXXI  (1820). 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCCXI ;  Oct.  ed.  I,  Plate  I ;  Gray,  Genera 
of  Birds,  I,  Plate  II. 

Noticed  occasionally  by  Dr.  Pickering  in  California.  In  one  instance 
he  records  the  appearance  of  several  individuals  of  this  species  "  so  very 
suddenly  on  the  death  of  an  animal,  that  they  seemed  to  have  come 
down  from  the  upper  regions  of  the  atmosphere." 

One  of  the  several  allusions  to  this  bird  by  Dr.  Pickering  involves 
a  point  not  well  understood,  and  is  given  under  date  of  October  16th  : 
"  A  specimen,  apparently  of  Cathartes  calif  or  nianus,  seen  to-day,  had 
the  baro  nkin  of  the  head  and  neck  black,  and  it  had,  too,  less  white 
in  its  plumage  than  any  that  I  have  seen  before.  Other  specimens  in 
the  neigb -jorhoud  had  the  head  and  neck  red  as  usual."  Of  this  highly 
interesting  fact,  which  has  been  noticed  by  several  naturalists,  we  can 
at  presont  give       explanation  ;  but  it  is  possible  that  the  color  of  the 


RAPT0RE8. 


73 


bare  space  may  be  a  character  dependent  on  age,  as  in  numerous  other 
species  of  birds.  In  the  plumage  alluded  to,  this  bird  is  CatJiartes 
viiUurimis,  Temm.,  as  above  cited.  It  will  be  seen  below,  that  Mr. 
Peale  attributes  this  variation  to  age  exclusively. 

The  following  memoranda,  also  relating  to  this  species,  we  introduce 
from  Mr.  Peale : 

"  This  cannot  be  considered  a  common  bird  in  Oregon.  We  first 
saw  it  on  the  plains  of  the  Willamette  River,  but  subsequently  observed 
that  it  was  much  more  numercuf;  in  California,  from  the  fact  that  the 
carcasses  of  large  animals  are  more  abundant,  which  this  bird  certainly 
prefers  to  the  dead  fishes  on  which  it  is  obliged  to  feed  in  Oregon  and 
all  the  countries  north  of  the  Spanish  settlements  in  California.  Pre- 
cisely the  same  change  takes  place  from  youth  to  maturity,  in  this 
species,  which  is  known  to  take  place  in  the  turkey  buzzard  {CatJiartes 
atim),  the  young  having  black  or  brownish  heads,  which  become  red 
as  they  grow  older." 

2.  Cathartes  aura  {Linn.). — The  Turkey  Buzzard. 

Viilfur  aura,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  122  (17GG). 

Cathartes  sepleiitrionalis,  De  Wied,  Roiso,  I,  p.  162  (1830). 

Cat.  Car.  I,  Plate  VI;  Vieill.  Ois.  d'Am.  Sept.  I,  Plate  II;  Wilson, 
Am.  Orn.  IX,  Plate  LXXV,  fig.  1 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CLI ;  Oct. 
ed.  I,  Plate  II. 

A  fine  specimen,  from  Oregon,  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 
It  is  absolutely  identical  with  the  common  turkey  buzzard  of  the  States 
on  the  Atlantic  seaboard,  and  the  species  may  therefore  be  regarded  as 
inhabiting  the  entire  temperate  and  warmer  regions  of  North  America. 

In  Dr.  Pickering's  notes  wo  find  this  vulture  frequently  mentioned, 
as  having  been  of  common  occurrence  at  points  visited  in  Western 
North  America,  particularly  in  California. 

Mr.  Peale  states  that  this  bird  is  "  quite  common  in  Oregon  and 
California." 

3.  Cathartes  jota  {Molina) . — The  Turkey  Buzzard  of  South 

America. 


Vulturjotu,  Molina,  Sagg.  Stor.  Nat.  Cliili  (1782),  2d  edit.  p.  220  (1810). 

19 


74  ORNITHOLOGY. 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  I.     Adult. 

This  is  a  species  nearly  allied  to  the  preceding,  and  appears  to 
represent  it  in  the  southern  portion  of  the  continent  of  America. 
Respecting  this  bird  there  have  existed  considerable  misapprehensions 
on  the  part  of  writers  on  North  American  Ornithology,  and  consequent 
confusion  in  their  works.  It  has  been  usually  regarded  as  identical 
with  the  common  black  vulture  or  carrion  crow  of  the  Southern  States 
of  this  Union,  but  erroneously,  as  is  now  readily  demonstrable  from 
specimens  contained  in  the  National  Collection.  Of  these,  a  specimen 
from  Tierradel  Fuego  was  brought  by  the  Expedition.  Specimens 
obtained  in  Chili,  and  belonging  to  the  vary  fine  collection  made  by 
Lieut.  Gilliss,  of  the  U.  S.  Navy,  were  uniformly  labelled  "  Jota," 
as  the  name  by  which  the  bird  was  known  in  its  native  country, 
thus  coinciding  with  a  statement  made  by  Molina,  in  his  descrip- 
tion above  cited. 

From  Dr.  Pickering's  notes  we  make  the  following  extract,  relative 
to  tliis  species : 

"  Tlie  turkey  buzzard  was  generally  met  with  in  the  country,  some 
miles  from  the  cities,  though  I  did,  occasionally,  see  it  venturing  into 
the  outskirts  of  Callao,  in  company  with  the  bhick  vulture  {G.  hrasili- 
ensis).  Wlien  flying,  it  is  readily  distinguished  from  the  latter  by  the 
absence  of  the  light-colored  spot  on  the  wing,  and,  on  a  nearer  approach, 
by  the  red  skin  of  the  head  and  neck.  On  the  ground  it  does  not  at- 
tempt to  run  or  leap  about  like  the  black  vulture,  owing  apparently 
to  the  shortness  of  its  legs,  and  it  may,  perhaps,  in  some  me?\siire  bo 
on  this  account  that  it  does  not  venture  into  the  streets,  for  it  is  by 
no  means  shy,  though  scarcely  permitting  so  close  an  approach  as  the 
other.  The  inferior  coverts  of  the  wings  are  jet  black ;  other  parts 
of  the  under  surface  of  the  body  dusky  brown.  Common  throughout 
Western  Peru." 


,m 


■''■I 


4.  Cathartes  atratus  {Bartmm). — The  Black  Vulture. 

Carrion  Crow. 


The 


ViiUur  atratun,  Baktram,  Trav.  p.  289  (1791). 

Viiflur  uniLu,  ViEiLL.  Ois.  d'Am.  Sept.  I,  p.  53  (1807). 


RAPTORES. 


75 


Vieill.  Ois.  d'Am.  Sept.  I,  Plate  11?  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  IX,  Plate 
LXXV,  fig.  2  ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CVI ;  Oct  ed.  I,  Plate  III. 

The  collection  of  the  Expedition  contains  no  specimen  of  this  bird 
from  the  western  countries  of  North  America,  but  it  is  mentioned  by 
Mr.  Peale  as  having  been  noticed  by  him  in  both  Oregon  and  Cali- 
fornia, as  follows : 

"  We  did  not  observe  this  bird  to  be  common  in  Oregon,  but  saw  it 
more  frequently  in  California.  It  seeras  generally  to  acorn  pany  the 
preceding  species  {Gathartes  aura),  but  is  more  familiar  in  its  habitb, 
It  is  the  more  plentiful  of  the  two  species  in  the  warmer  parts  of  both 
North  and  South  America,  and  decreases  in  numbers  as  we  approach 
the  colder  latitudes,  where  the  C.  aura  is  the  more  abundant." 

The  South  American  bird  is  regarded  by  ornithologists  as  a  distinct 
though  similar  species,  and  is  alluded  to  in  the  next  article. 

Unless  there  is  some  mistake  in  Mr.  Peale's  obser\ation,  this  species 
inhabits  a  much  higher  latitude  on  the  western  than  on  the  eastern 
side  of  the  continent.  There  is,  however,  no  other  reoord  of  this  bird 
having  been  observed  in  Oregon,  so  far  as  our  knowledge  extends. 
Dr.  Pickering  expressly  mentions  that  he  did  not  see  it  either  in 
Oregon  or  in  California. 

This  species  is  found  also  in  the  northern  and  western  countries  of 
South  America,  and  there  is  in  the  National  Museum  a  well-charac- 
terized specimen,  which  was  brought  from  Chili  by  the  tTnited  States 
Naval  Astronomical  Expedition,  commanded  by  Lieut.  Giliiss. 


5.  Gathartes  brasiliensis  [Bonaparte). — The  South  American 

Black  Vulture. 

Cathartes  Inutliensis,  UoNAP.  Cons.  Av.  p.  9  (1848). 

BuflF.  PI.  Enl.  187. 

Of  this  bird,  which  appears  to  be  very  abundant  in  the  southwestern 
countries  of  the  American  continent,  there  are  specimens  in  the  collec- 
tion of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia.  It  is  smaller 
than  the  C.  at  rat  us  of  the  United  States,  and  has  the  head  much  less 
corrugated,  but  is,  however,  very  similar  to  that  species,  and  has  usu- 
ally been  regarded  as  the  siime. 


79 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Dr.  Pickering's  notes,  which  we  have  no  doubt  relate  to  this  species, 
are  dated  at  "  Callao,  May,  1839,"  and  are  as  follows  :  "  I  had  seen  a 
few  specimens  of  the  black  vulture  in  the  vicinity  of  Rio  de  Janeiro, 
and  was  informed  that  it  sometimes  came  into  the  city,  but  it  was 
only  in  Peru  that  I  observed  this  bird  abundant  in  the  towns  and 
cities,  as  has  frequently  been  described.  It  is  exceedingly  common 
in  all  Western  Peru,  in  the  cities,  villages,  and  about  habitations  in 
the  country,  in  fact  is  abundant  everywhere. 

"  Great  numbers  may  always  be  seen  at  Callao  and  Lima,  in  the 
streets,  perched  on  the  house-tops  or  soaring  above,  frequently  at  a 
great  height.  In  the  streets  they  allow  you  to  pass  within  a  few  feet 
of  them,  and  I  observed  that  they  did  not  scruple  to  wade  into  the 
water  to  pick  up  floating  substances.  The  gait  of  this  bird  on  the 
ground  is  a  sort  of  gallop  or  succession  of  short  leaps,  as  may  be  seen 
particularly  when  it  is  disturbed  or  about  to  take  flight.  In  the 
streets  it  feeds  at  all  times  or  whenever  opportunity  is  presented,  but 
the  general  feast  appears  to  be  in  the  morning,  before  sunrise,  when 
prodigious  numbers  are  to  be  seen  throughout  the  city. 

"  I  did  not  see  this  species  above  \  aso,  on  our  journey  to  the  Cor- 
dilleras, but  was  informed  by  Mr.  Rich  that  on  the  occasion  of  the 
slaughtering  of  a  bullock  in  the  square  at  Obrajillo,  it  made  its  appear- 
ance in  considerable  numbers,  in  company  with  condors." 

In  addition  to  the  preceding  seven  species,  there  are  three  others  of 
the  same  genera,  which  inhabit  the  continent  of  America  and  its  islands. 
These  are  :  C'nthartes  whicola,  Des  Murs,  Rev.  et  Mag.  de  Zoo).  April, 
1853  (Paris),  CatJiartts  hurrovianus,  Cassin,  Proc.  Acad.  Philada.  II, 
p.  212  (1845),  and  /Scircomin/Jius  sacer  (Bartram),  VuUur  sacra,  Bar- 
tram,  Travels  in  Florida,  p.  150  (1791).  The  last  is  a  doubtful  species, 
though  apparently  very  carefully  described  by  Bartram  from  recent  or 
living  specimens.  It  is  only  known,  however,  by  that  description, 
never  having  been  observed  since  by  any  naturalist  or  traveller. 


RAPTORES. 


77 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  AMERICAN  VULTURES. 


1.  Genus  SARCORAMPHUS,  Dumeril,  Analyse,  p.  32  (1806). 


1.  SARCORAMPrcjs  GRYPnus  (Xm?iaet<s). — The  Condor. 

Vultur  grifphm,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  121  (17G6). 
Vultur  nuujellanicvs,  SuAW,  Mus.  Lever.  I,  p.  1. 
Sarcoramphus  cuntwr,  Dumeril. 
Sarcoramphm  condor,  Lesson,  Truite  d'Orn.  p.  25. 

Bonap.  Am.  Orn.  IV,  Plate  XXII  (young) ;  Humboldt,  Obs.  Zool. 
Plate  VIII ;  Teraminck,  PI.  Col.  133,'  408,  494 ;  Voy.  Bonite.  Ois. 
Plate  II  (young) ;  Shaw,  Mua.  Lever.  Plate  I. 

The  largest  of  the  vultures  and  one  of  the  largest  of  birds.  Head, 
neck,  and  large  space  on  the  neck  bare ;  head  above  with  a  caruncle 
or  comb,  and  others  on  the  sides  of  the  head  and  neck.  Wings  long, 
very  strong.  Neck,  at  the  commencement  of  the  feathers,  with  a  collar 
or  ruff  of  white,  downy  feathers;  all  other  plumage  black  with  a  white 
space  on  the  wing,  and  with  a  handsome  grayish  or  frosted,  tinge  on 
the  back,  wings,  and  tail.     Naked  .space  of  the  head  and  neck  red. 

Total  length,  from  tip  of  bill  to  end  of  tail,  about  four  feet ;  wing, 
from  carpal  joint  to  tip  (when  folded),  about  two  feet  six  inches ;  tail 
fifteen  inches.     Male  larger  ? 

Hab. — Western  South  America.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Wash- 
ington, and  Acad.  Mus.  Philadelphia. 

Obs. — Now  well  known  and  accurately  described  by  naturaliht-!, 
but  formerly  the  subject  of  numerous  fictions,  principally  relating  to 
its  size  and  prowess.  Inhabits  the  Andes,  and  countries  of  Western 
South  America,  and  probably  extends  into  Central  America.  Never 
observed  in  any  part  of  the  United  States. 


78 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


2.  Sarcobamphus  papa  (Linnaeus). — The  King  Vulture. 
Vulturpapa,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  122  (1766). 

Buffon,  PI.  Enl.  428 ;  Vieillot,  Gal.  des  Ois.  I,  Plate  III ;  Spix,  Av. 
Bras.  I,  Plate  I ;  Le  Vaill.  Ois.  d'Afrique,  I,  Plate  XIII ;  Hayes, 
Osterly  Menagerie,  I,  Plate  II. 

Head  and  upper  part  of  neck  naked ;  the  former  with  an  elevated 
and  conspicuous  caruncle,  arising  from  the  base  of  the  bill.  Wings 
and  tail  glossy-black ;  plumage  on  the  neck  dusky-cinereous ;  all  other 
parts  fine  pale  fulvous.  Naked  space  of  the  head  and  neck  red  and 
orange ;  bill  pale-yellow. 

Total  length  about  twenty-eight  inches;  wing  eighteen  inches  ;  tail 
nine  inches. 


Hab. — South  and  Central  America. 
Acad.  Philadelphia. 


Mexico.     Specimen  in  Mus. 


Obs. — This  is  the  only  bird  of  the  fiimily  of  vultures  which  may  be 
considered  as  possessing  beauty  of  plumage,  and  is  one  of  the  best 
known  species  of  the  rapacious  birds  of  South  America.  It  inhabits 
also  the  whole  of  Central  America,  being  almost  invariably  sent  in 
collections  from  any  locality  in  that  portion  of  this  continent.  Her- 
nandez gives  this  bird  as  an  inhabitant  of  Mexico,  and  describes  it 
accurately  under  the  euphonious  native  name  of  "  Cozcaquauhtli" 
(Nova  Plantarum,  Animalium,  et  Mineralium  Mexicanorum,  Historia ; 
Rome,  1651,  folio,  p.  319).  No  late  author,  however,  has  given  it  as 
a  bird  of  Mexico,  nor  has  it  ever  been  observed  as  yet  within  the 
limits  of  the  United  States,  unless  it  is  identical  with  the  species 
immediately  succeeding ;  or,  whether  it  is  or  not,  it  is  quite  possible 
that  this  bird  is,  at  least,  an  occasional  visitant  to  Florida,  being  nu- 
merous in  Central  America. 

Like  the  condor,  and  indeed  all  the  American  vultures,  the  present 
bird  is  easily  tamed,  though  it  does  not  appear  to  show  the  partiality 
lor  the  abodes  of  men  possessed  by  some  species  of  this  group  of  birds. 


I'f^ 


R  A  P  T  0  R  E  8. 


79 


3.  Sarcoramphus  sacer  (Bartram). — The  Sacred  Vulture. 

Vultur  sacra,  BARinAM,  Travels  in  Florida,  p.  150  (1791).* 

Not  figured. 

Original  Description. — "  The  bill  is  long  and  straight,  almost  to 
the  point,  where  it  is  hooked  or  bent  suddenly  down,  and  sharp.  The 
head  and  neck  are  bare  of  feathers  nearly  down  to  the  stomach,  when 
the  feathers  begin  to  cover  the  skin,  and  soon  become  long  and  of  a 
soft  texture,  forming  a  ruff  or  tippet,  in  which  the  bird,  by  contract- 
ing his  neck,  can  hide  that  as  well  as  his  head.  The  bare  skin  on  the 
neck  appears  loose  and  ^^  rinkled,  and  is  of  a  bright-yellow  color,  inter- 
mixed with  coral-red  ;  the  hinder  part  of  the  neck  is  nearly  covered 
with  short  stiff  hair,  and  the  skin  of  this  part  of  the  neck  is  of  a 
purple-dun  color,  gradually  becoming  red  as  it  approaches  the  yellow 
of  the  sides  and  forepart.  The  crown  of  the  head  is  red ;  there  are 
lobed  lappets  of  a  reddish-orange  color,  which  lay  on  the  base  of  the 
upper  mandible.  The  plumage  of  the  bird  is  generally  white  or  creair 
color,  except  the  quill-feathers  of  the  wings  and  two  or  three  rows  of 

*  William  Bar'  am ;  not  to  be  confounded  with  hia  father,  John  Bartram,  who  also 
'ravelled  in  Florida.     The  following  are  the  titles  of  their  works  which  relate  to  that 

co.'ctry  : 

1.  John  Bartram.  "A  Description  of  East  Florida,  with  a  Journal  kept  by  John  Bar- 
tram, of  Philadelphia,  Botanist  to  His  Mnjesty  fur  the  Floridas,  upon  a  .Tourney  from 
St.  Augustine  up  the  River  St.  Johns  as  far  as  the  Lakes.  With  explanatory  Bota- 
nical Notes."  Quarto,  Third  Edition,  London,  17G9.  We  have  never  seen  neither 
the  fire!  _jr  second  edition.  The  Journal  commences  at  St.  Augustine,  December  19th, 
17G5,  and  contains  botanical  notes  of  value.  This  author  and  traveller,  of  high  repu- 
tation as  a  botanist  and  one  of  the  fathers  of  American  Natural  History,  was  the 
founder  of  the  Botanical  Garden  on  th*-  Schuylkill  Kiver,  near  Philadelphia. 

2.  William  Bartram.  "Travels  through  North  and  South  Carolina,  Georgia,  East  and 
West  Florida,  the  Cherokee  Country,  the  Extensive  Territories  of  the  Muscogulges  or 
Creek  Confederacy,  and  the  Country  of  the  Choctaws ;  containing  an  Account  of  the 
Soil  and  Natural  Productions  of  those  Regions,  together  with  Observations  on  the 
Manners  of  the  Indians.  ,  By  William  Bartram."     Octavo,  Philadelphia,  1791. 

This  volume  contains  a  large  amount  of  information  on  nearly  all  departments  of 
Natural  History,  and  is  almost  indispeusablo  to  the  American  botanist  or  zoologist. 
One  other  point  has  made  the  name  of  William  Bartrum  illustrious:  ho  was  the  especial 
friend  and  patron  of  Alexander  Wilson,  the  greatest  of  American  Ornithologists. 


80 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


the  coverts,  which  are  beautiful  dark-brown ;  the  tail,  lohich  is  rather 
lat'f/e  and  white,  is  tipped  toith  this  dark-brown  or  black ;  the  legs  and 
feet  of  a  clear  white ;  the  eye  is  encircled  with  a  gold-colored  iris;  the 
pupil  black."     Bartram,  as  above,  pp.  160,  151. 

Hab. — Florida.     No  specimen  known  to  be  extant. 

Obs. — This  description,  by  William  Bartram,  one  of  the  celebrated 
American  botanists  and  scientific  travellers  of  that  name,  is  evidently 
of  a  bird  similar  to  the  king  vulture.  But,  in  this  description,  it  is 
stated  that  the  tail  is  lohite,  tipped  with  dark-brown  or  black,  while 
in  the  king  vulture  it  is  clear  lustrous  black  (as  described  immediately 
preceding). 

Since  the  time  of  this  distinguished  author,  the  vulture  described 
by  him  has  never  been  noticed  by  any  other  traveller,  and  is  entirely 
unknown  to  naturalists.  It  has  sometimes  been  regarded  by  authors 
as  identical  with  the  king  vulture,  but  that  conclusion  is  scarcely 
warrantable  in  the  present  limited  knowledge  of  the  zoology  of 
Florida.  Mr.  Bartram's  descriptions,  moreover,  are  usually  very  ac- 
curate, as  may  readily  be  determined. 


2.  Genus  CATIIARTES,  Illigcr,  Prodromus,  p.  236  (1811). 
1.  Catiiartes  californianus  {Shaio). — The  California  Vulture. 

VuUur  califiirnianm,  Shaw,  Nat.  Misc.  IX,  p   1  (1797). 

Vulfiir  columhianus,  Oni).  Guthrie's  Geography,  II,  p.  .'515  (1815). 

Cathartes  vulturinitg,  Temminck,  PI.  Col.  I  (not  paged,  1820). 

Shaw,  Nat.  Misc.  IX,  Plate  CCCI ;  Lichtenstein,  Trans.  Acad. 
Berlin,  1838,  Plate  I;  Gray,  Genera  of  Birds,  I,  Plate  11;  Audubon, 
Birds  of  Am.  Plate  CCCCXI;  octavo  edition,  I,  Plate  I;  D'Orbigny's 

Cuvier,  Ois.  Plate  VIII,  fig.  3 ;  Temminck,  PI.  Col.  61. 

■  ■  ' .  - 

Large ;  head  and  neck  bare ;  plumage  commencing  on  the  neck, 
near  the  body,  with  a  ruft'of  long  lanceolate  feathers,  continued  on  the 
breast.  A  few  short  down-like  feathers  on  the  vertex  and  at  the  base 
of  the  upper  mandible;  bill  rather  long;  nostrils  moderate,  communi- 


f'fa 


RAPTORES. 


81 


eating  with  each  other ;  wings  long ;  primaries  pointed ;  tail  rather 
long,  slightly  rounded. 

Entire  plumage  black,  usually  many  feathers  narrowly  tipped  with 
brown ;  quills  with  a  grayish  tinge ;  greater  coverts  tipped  with  white, 
which  forms  a  transverse  bar  on  the  wing.  Bill  yellowish-white ;  iris 
carmine  ;  head  and  neck  reddish-orange  and  yellow. 

Total  length  about  forty-five  inches ;  wing  thirty-one  inches ;  tail 
fifteen  inches. 

Hab. — California  and  Oregon.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington, 
and  Mus.  Acad.  Philadelphia. 

Obs. — This  large  and  powerful  vulture  is  peculiar  to  the  countries 
of  Western  North  America,  where,  during  all  seasons,  except  that  de- 
voted to  incubation,  it  appears  to  prefer  the  vicinity  of  rivers,  and  sub- 
sists, in  a  great  measure,  on  dead  fishes.  It  is  the  largest  bird  of  its 
family  yet  ascertained  to  inhabit  North  America. 

This  bird  inhabits  the  whole  of  the  regions  between  the  Rocky 
Mountains  and  the  Pacific  Ocean,  from  Mexico  to  Russian  America  ; 
most  abundant  in  California.  It  rears  its  young  in  the  elevated  and 
wooded  districts,  where  it  is  said  to  build  a  huge  nest  of  twigs  and 
grasses  in  a  rock  or  precipice,  and,  at  other  seasons,  comes  down  to  the 
plains  or  borders  of  the  ocean. 


2.  Cathartes  urbicola,  De^  Murs. — The  West  India  Vulture. 

Cathartes  urbicola,  De8  Murs,  Rev.  et  Mag.  Zool.  1853,  p.  146. 
"  Vullur  urhit-incola,  RiccoRD." — Des  Murs,  as  above. 


Not  figured. 


Large  ;  about  the  size  of  G.  caU/orniamis.  Naked  skin  of  head  and 
neck  wine-red,  with  scattered  warty  granulations.  Upper  parts  lus- 
trous blue-black ;  under  surface  of  quills  grayish-white ;  tail  equal  at 
the  end  ;  beak  black,  large  and  strong,  rather  high  and  wide  ;  upper 
mandible  straight,  curved  only  towards  the  point;  nostrils  naked, 
pierced  diagonally ;  iris  white ;  feet  strong,  wine-red,  with  gray  lines ; 
claws  feebly  curved ;  middle  toe  very  long,  united  at  its  base  to  the 

81 


82 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


interior  toe.    Wing  long;  first  quill  shorter  than  the  sixth;  second  and 
third  shorter  than  the  fourth,  which  is  longest. 

Size  approaching  that  of  the  wild  turkey,  which  it  resembles  in  its 
gait.  Total  length  about  fifty-two  inches.  "  Sa  taille  est  de  quarante- 
huit  pouces,  approchant  celle  du  Dindon  sauvage,  auquel  il  ressemble 
par  sa  d-marche." 

Hab. — St.  Jago  de  Cuba,  Hayti,  St.  Vincent,  St.  Lucia,  Borders  of 
the  Orinoco  River. 

Obs. — This  large  vulture  is  described  as  above  by  M.  Des  Murs,  on 
the  authority  of  M.  Riccord,  a  scientific  traveller,  who  observed  it  at 
the  localities  given  above  and  at  some  others.  He  states  that  it  inhabits 
only  the  Spanish  and  English  parts  of  the  islands  mentioned,  and  fre- 
quents especially  the  towns  and  cities.  This  vulture  is  unknown  to 
naturalists,  and  its  further  investigation  is  a  point  of  much  interest. 


3.  Cathabtes  aura  {Linnaem). — The  Turkey  Buzzard.    The 

Turkey  Vulture. 

Vtdtur  aura,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  122  (176G). 

Cathartcs  seplentrionalin,  De  Wibd,  Travels  in  N.  A.  I,  p.  162  (1839). 

Catesby,  Nat.  Hist.  Carolina,  I,  Plate  VI ;  Vieillot,  Ois.  d'Am.  Sept. 
I,  Plate  II ;  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  IX,  Plate  LXXV,  fig.  1 ;  Audubon, 
B.  of  Am.  Plate  CLI ;  Oct.  ed.  I,  Plate  2. 


Plumage  commencing  on  the  neck  with  a  ruff  of  rather  long  and 
projecting  feathers.  Head  and  upper  part  of  neck  naked,  or  with 
scattering  down-like  feathers,  especially  on  the  top  of  the  head,  and 
with  the  skin  wrinkled;  nostrils  large,  oval,  communicating  with  each 
other ;  tail  rather  long,  rounded. 

Entire  plumage  brownish-black  ;  darker  on  the  neck,  back,  and  tail 
above ;  many  feathers  having  a  purple  and  bluish  lustre,  and  edged 
with  pale-brown.  Bill  yellowish-white;  wings  and  tail  paler  beneath ; 
head  and  neck  bright-red. 

Total  length  about  thirty  inches  ;  wing  twenty-three  inches  ;  tail 
twelve  inches. 


R  A  P  T  0  R  E  S. 


83 


Hab. — The  entire  temperate  regions  of  North  America.  Specimen 
in  MuH.  Acad.  Philadelphia,  and  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

Obs. — This  is  the  only  vulture  that  ventures  into  the  Middle  and 
Northern  States  of  North  America,  in  which,  however,  it  may  be  stated 
to  inhabit  the  entire  temperate  regions.  It  is  abundant  everywhere 
south  of  the  State  of  Delaware,  and  of  frequent  occurrence  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, New  Jersey,  and  Ohio,  though  much  more  rare  in  all  the  North- 
eastern States.  On  the  Pacific,  it  is  abundant  at  a  higher  latitude  than 
on  the  Atlantic.  Occasionally,  it  strays  as  far  north  as  the  British  Pos- 
sessions, being  given  by  Mr.  David  Douglas,  as  a  bird  seen  by  him  in 
Canada,  and  by  Sir  John  Richardson,  as  noticed  at  Lake  Winipeg. 

In  the  Southern  States  of  this  Union,  the  turkey  buzzard  is  so  common 
as  to  be  an  almost  constant  feature  in  the  landscape,  and  by  no  means 
timid  nor  shy  of  man,  though  not  so  tame  and  familiar  in  its  habits  as 
the  black  vulture.  It  occasionally  rears  its  young  in  New  Jersey  and 
Pennsylvania,  and  probably  in  more  northern  States. 


4.  Cathartes  jota  {Molina). — The  Turkey  Vulture  of  South 

America. 


Vulturjota,  MoLiNA,  Sagg.  Stor.  Nat.  Chili  (1782). 

Cathartes  rufivolUs,  Spix,  Av.  Bras.  , 

Voy.  Vincennes  and  Peacock,  Orn.  Plate  I. 

Very  similar  to  G.  aura,  but  rather  smaller  and  more  slender.  Wings 
and  legs  rather  long ;  tail  moderate,  not  so  long  as  in  G.  aura.  Plu- 
mage commencing  on  the  neck  with  a  ruff  of  projecting  feathers,  scarcely 
as  well  defined  nor  with  the  feathers  so  long  as  in  the  northern  species ; 
nostrils  large,  oval,  communicating  with  each  other;  naked  skin  of  head 
wrinkled,  or  with  somewhat  regular  folds,  especially  on  the  occiput. 

Entire  plumage  brownish-black,  with  purple  or  bluish  lustre  on  the 
upper  parts,  and  many  feathers  edged  with  brownish;  lower  parts  clear 
black.  Under  surface'of  wings  and  tail  paler;  shafts  of  quills  brown 
above,  wliite  bet  eath.     Head  and  neck  red  ;  bill  yellowish-white. 

Total  Kmgth  about  twenty-six  inches;  wing  twenty  inches;  tail 
ten  inches. 


«*1 


^ 

.<^^1l^< 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


.«*% 


.^> 


%V^; 


« 


^ 


1.0 


I.I 


11.25 


UilM    lU 

|50     ^^"       M^B 


14  III'-' 


6" 


FhotogFaphic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


<*  >^  ^»>v\ 


23  WIST  MAIN  STillT 

vyiBSTIR.NY   UStO 

(7(^!  «7a-4503 


'4^ 


f 
^ 


V 


i 


84 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Hab. — South  America.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington,  and 
Mus.  Acad.  Philadelphia. 

Obs. — All  the  specimens  that  we  have  seen  of  this  vulture  are  from 
Western  and  Southern  South  America,  and  at  present  we  are  not  in- 
formed whether  it  inhabits  the  countries  on  the  Atlantic  or  not.  This 
species  is  an  exceedingly  near  relative  of  the  common  turkey  buzzard 
of  North  America,  and  is  only  to  be  distinguished  on  careful  compari- 
son. So  far  as  can  be  judged  from  prepared  skins,  the  present  is  a  more 
slender  and  rather  smaller  bird  in  all  its  measurements ;  with  compara- 
tively longer  wings  and  shorter  tail.  Its  general  appearance  and  appa- 
rently its  habits  also  are  very  similar  to  the  northecn  species. 


5.  Cathartes  burrovianus,  Caaain. — Burrough's  Vulture. 
Cathartet  burrovianui,  Gassin,  Proo.  Acad.  Fhilada.  II,  p.  212  (1845). 
Not  figured. 

The  smallest  of  all  vultures.  Resembling  C.  aura  and  C.  Jota,  but 
bmaller,  and  without  a  rufi"  on  the  neck,  as  in  those  species.  Plumage 
on  the  neck  ascending  behind,  as  in  G.  atratus;  bill  rather  hort;  aper- 
tures of  nostrils  large ;  wings  long ;  tail  roundp^,  rather  long. 

Entire  plumage  deep  uniform  black ;  more  uniform  than  in  either 
C.  aura  or  C.  jota.    Shafts  of  quills  white.    Head  and  neck  red. 

Total  length  about  twenty-two  inches  j  wing  eighteen  inches ;  tail 
eight  and  a  half  inches. 

Hab. — Mexico,  Vera  Cruz,  Mazatlan,  Lower  California.  Specimen 
in  Mus.  Acad.  Philadelphia. 

Obs. — Though  European  ornithologists  have  been  rather  disposed  to 
regard  this  species  as  identical  with  G.  jota,  it  is  really  quite  distinct 
from  both  that  and  G.  aura,  more  so,  in  fact,  than  they  are  distinct 
from  each  other.  The  present  bird  may  very  readily  be  distinguished 
by  its  small  size  and  general  resemblance  to  G.  aura,  but  with  the  re- 
markable character  of  the  plumage  ascending  to  a  point  on  the  back  of 
the  neck,  as  in  G.  atratua.  All  the  specimens  of  this  bird  that  we  have 


RAPT0RE8. 


85 


ever  seen  are  of  more  deep  and  uniform  black  than  is  usually  to  be  seen 
in  oither  C.  aura  or  C.  jota. 

This  little  vulture,  the  smallest  of  the  entire  group  of  vultures,  is  an 
inhabitant  of  the  coasts  of  Mexico  and  of  Lower  California,  of  the  former 
both  on  the  Pacific  Ocean  and  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  very  probably 
extends  its  range  along  the  shores  of  the  Pacific  into  the  territory  of  the 
United  States.  The  specimen  first  described  by  us  was  sent  to  the  Aca- 
demy of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia,  in  a  collection  made  at  Vera 
Cruz  by  Mannaduke  Burrough,  M.D.,  then  United  States  Consul  at  that 
city,  and  a  distinguished  and  useful  member  of  the  Philadelphia  Aca- 
demy.   Since  then,  we  have  seen  other  specimens  from  Mexico. 


6.  Cathartes  atratus  (Bartram). — The  Black  Vulture. 

Carrion  Crow. 


The 


Vultur  atratus,  Bartram,  Travels,  p.  289  (1791). 

Vultur  urulu,  ViEiLLOT,  Ois.  d'Am.  Sept.  I,  p.  53  (1807). 

Vieill.  Ois.  d'Am.  Sept.  I,  Plate  II ;  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  IX,  Plate 
LXXV,  fig.  2  ;  Audubon,  Birds  of  Am.  Plate  CVI ;  octavo  edition,  I, 
Plate  III. 

Plumage  commencing  higher  on  the  back  of  the  neck  than  on  its 
sides  or  in  front,  and  there  consisting  of  short  feathers.  Head  and 
naked  portion  of  neck  warted  or  corrugated,  and  with  a  few  hair-like 
feathers;  bill  rather  long;  nostrils  large  and  communicating  with  each 
other ;  tail  truncate  or  even  at  the  end ;  legs  rather  long. 

Entire  plumage  deep  uniform  black,  frequently  with  a  bluish  gloss 
on  the  back  and  quills.  Shafts  of  quills  white  above  and  below;  quills, 
on  their  under  surface,  pale,  in  some  specimens  nearly  white.  Head 
f  ad  neck  brownish  or  bluish-black ;  bill  dark,  yellowish  at  the  tip. 

Total  length  about  twenty-three  inches ;  wing  sixteen  and  a  half 
inches ;  tail  eight  and  a  half  inches. 


Hab. — Southern  United  States,  Mexico,  and  Central  America, 
Northern  South  America,  Chili.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington, 
and  Mus.  Acad.  Philadelphia. 

22 


P?TT^T^T'7J'^!PTr7T^TT' 


!?n  w/^."-«f;i.i»Hi  ■••rvr-'-Tr 


''^^'^y^i'^^Pfjrl'fTr^ 


,1J!..|      J.  II,  ..JJRfl 


se 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Obs. — Very  abundant  in  all  the  Southern  United  States,  and  thence 
to  Chili,  very  fine  and  well-characterized  specimens  from  the  latter 
country  having  been  brought  by  the  United  States  Astronomical  Ex- 
pedition, under  Lieut.  Gilliss,  and  are  now  in  the  National  Museum. 
No  instance  of  the  occurrence  of  the  black  vulture  as  far  north  as  Penn- 
sylvania has  ever  come  to  our  knowledge. 

Though  met  with  constantly  in  the  rural  districts  of  the  Southern 
States,  this  bird  shows  great  partiality  for  the  cities,  resorting  to  them 
at  all  seasons  in  large  numbers,  and  is  protected  in  his  avocation  as 
scavenger  by  the  popular  opinion  of  his  usefulness.  It  rears  its  young 
in  the  forests,  making  merely  an  excavation  for  its  eggs  in  a  dead  log, 
stump,  or  on  the  ground. 


7.  Cathartes  brasiliensis,  Bmaparte. — The  Black  Vulture  of 

South  America. 

Cathartet  hrcuilienm,  Bonap.  Goosp.  Aviam.  p.  9  (1860). 
"  Vultur  bratilietuis,  Rat." — BoNAP.  as  above. 
Cathartet  foetem,  Illioeb. 

Buffon,  PI.  Enl.  187. 

Very  similar  to  the  preceding,  but  smaller.  Head  generally  not  so 
much  warted  as  the  preceding,  and  frequently  nearly  smooth.  Wings 
long;  tail  rather  short,  truncate,  or  equal  at  the  end;  legs  rather  long. 
Plumage  ascending  on  the  back  of  the  neck. 

Entire  plumage  deep-black ;  shafts  of  quills  white ;  under  surface 
of  quills  pale,  nearly  white ;  head  and  legs  dark ;  bill  dusky,  yellowish 
at  tip. 

Total  length  about  twenty  inches ;  wing  fifteen  and  a  half  inches ; 
tail  seven  and  a  half  inches. 

Hab. — South  America.    Specimen  in  Mus.  Acad.  Philadelphia. 


Obs. — All  the  specimens  of  this  bird  that  have  come  under  our 
notice  have  been  from  the  Pacific  coast  of  South  America,  and  it  is 
not  in  our  power  at  present  to  say  whether  it  inhabits  also  the  countries 
on  the  Atlantic.     Though  apparently  constantly  smaller  than  C.  atra- 


^nmm-^tl^mm 


RAPT  ORES. 


«7 


tu8,  this  species  is  a  very  near  relative,  and  might  readily  be  mistaken 
for  it  by  any  observer  not  having  the  facilities  for  close  comparison. 

The  habits  and  manners  of  this  vulture  are  in  all  respects  very  simi- 
lar to  those  of  the  North  American  species,  -which  it  resembles.  The 
notes,  by  Dr.  Pickering,  given  by  us  in  a  preceding  page,  are  valuable 
contributions  to  its  history. 

The  preceding  are  all  the  birds  of  the  family  of  vultures  known  to 
inhabit  the  continent  of  America  or  its  islands. 


l!^^ww 


88 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


2.  Familt  FALCONID^.— The  Falcons,  Hawks,  and  Eagles. 


1.  Genus  FALCO,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  124  (1766). 

1.  Falco  polyagrus,  Gaadn. — The  American  Lanier  Falcon. 
Falco  polyagrui,  Gassin,  Birds  of  Gal.  and  Texas,  I,  p.  88  (18£^). 
Cassin,  B.  of  Cal.  and  Tex.  I,  Plate  XVI. 

This  large  falcon  was  described  and  figured  by  us,  as  above,  fVom 
specimens  obtained  in  Oregon  and  California,  by  the  late  Dr.  J.  K. 
Townsend,  and  by  Dr.  A.  L.  Heennann,  both  distinguished  as  scientific 
travellers  in  those  countries.  The  collection  of  the  Expedition  contains 
a  fine  specimen,  which  we  regard  as  a  young  female  of  this  species,  and 
is  the  only  one,  in  that  stage  of  plumage,  that  has  yet  come  under  our 
notice. 

This  bird  is  remarkable  as  being  the  only  representative  in  America 
of  a  group  of  falcons  well  known  as  inhabiting  the  Old  World,  and 
which  have  received  the  designation  of  "  Laniers."  The  birds  of  this 
group  are  invariably  characterize'!  by  light-colored  plumage,  generally 
cinereous  and  white,  and  possess  f  .11  the  characters  of  the  typical  falcons. 
The  European  and  Asiatic  species  were  highly  valued  in  the  art  of 
falconr  r. 

In  a  mc~'ograph  of  the  Falconidse,  in  Jardine's  Contributions  to  Orni- 
thology (1850,  p.  55),  Dr.  Kaup,  an  eminent  German  naturalist,  pro- 
poses the  group  to  which  this  species  belongs  as  a  subgenus  of  the 
typical  genus  Falco,  under  the  name  of  Oennaia.  It  includes  Falco 
laniarius,  Falco  jugger,  and  other  species  of  Europe  and  Asia,  of  which 
this  bird  is  the  only  representative,  so  far  as  known,  in  the  continent 
of  America. 

In  form  and  general  appearance,  the  bird  now  before  us  singularly 
resembles  the  most  common  Asiatic  species  of  this  group, — Falco  Jugger, 


RAPTOBES. 


89 


Gray,  111.  of  Indian  Zoology,  II,  Plate  XXVI.  It  is,  however,  larger, 
and,  in  all  points  of  organization,  a  more  robust  and  powerful  species. 
Young  birds  having  been  brought  from  California,  by  Dr.  Heermann, 
it  is  certainly  a  species  which  permanently  inhabits  Western  America. 
According  to  Mr.  Peale,  the  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedi- 
tion was  obtained  at  Puget's  Sound,  and  the  same  species  was  seen 
rearing  its  young  in  Oregon. 


'4 


2.  Genus  TINNUNCULUS,  rieill.  Ois.  d'Am.  Sept.  I,  p.  39  (1807). 
1.  TiNNUNCULUS  SPARVERius  {Linn.). — The  Sparrow  Hawk. 

Falco  sparveriui,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  128  (1766). 
Fako  dommicensis,  Qu.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  285  (1788.) 

Vieill.  Ois.  d'Am.  Sept.  I,  Plate  XII,  XIII ;  Buff.  PI.  Enl.  465 ; 
Wil(  on,  Am.  Orn.  II,  Plate  XVI,  fig.  4,  Plate  XXXII,  fig.  2 ;  Aud. 
B.  of  Am.  Plate  XLII;  Oct.  ed.  I,  Plate  XXII. 

This  beautiful  little  hawk  appears  to  inhabit  the  entire  continent  of 
America.  It  was  observed  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  to  be 
common  in  Oregon  and  California,  and  also  in  Brazil  and  other  parts 
of  South  America. 

All  the  specimens  in  the  collection  appear  to  be  strictly  identical 
with  the  species  of  the  United  States. 


8.  Genus  IERACIDEA,  GoulfJ,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1837,  p.  140. 

1.  Iebacidea  nova  zealandi^  {Gmelin). — The  New  Zealand  Falcon. 

Falco  nova  zealandice,  Om.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  268  (1788). 

Falco  brunneut,  GouLD,  Proo.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1837,  p.  139. 

Falco  harpe,  FoRSTER,  Dcsc.  An.  p.  68  (1844). 

Falco  ferox,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  67  (Ist  edition,  1848).* 

Falco  australis,  HoHB.  et  Jacq.  Ann.  des  Sci.  Nat.  XYI,  p.  312  (1841). 

*  "  Head  and  back  of  a  uniform  dark  sepia-brown  ;  tail  of  the  same  color,  having  six 
very  narrow,  pale,  tawny  bars ;  feathers  of  the  crown  and  nape  light-cinereous  at  the 
base,  which  gradually  runs  into  the  dark  sepia  of  the  surface ;  brow  ferruginous ;  auri- 
cular brown ;  the  lower  feathers  edged  with  ferruginous ;  throat  pale-buff,  nearly  white ; 

23 


90  ORNITHOLOGY. 

Voy.  Astrolabe  et  Ze\e6,  Oia.  Plate  I,  fig.  1. 

A  species  which  appears  to  be  peculiar  to  the  Island  of  New  Zealand, 
and  to  which  naturalists  have  applied  various  names.  Though  belong- 
ing to  the  restricted  group  of  typical  falcons,  it  presents  characters 
different  from  those  of  the  northern  genera,  and  has  been  properly  re- 
garded as  the  type  of  a  distinct  genus. 

Mr.  Peale's  note  relating  to  this  bird  is  :  "  At  the  Bay  of  Islands, 
New  Zealand,  we  found  several  interesting  birds,  and  amongst  them 
this  graceful  falcon.  It  flew  with  great  vigor,  and  appeared  to  create 
great  terror  in  all  the  little  birds  of  the  neighborhood.  When  alighting 
on  the  branch  of  a  tree,  it  had  the  habit  of  jutting  its  tail,  like  the 
sparrow  hawk  of  North  America  {F.  sparverim)."    "  - 


4.  Genus  ACCIPITER,  Briston,  Orn.  I,  p.  310  (1760). 

1.   ACCIPITER   RUFITORQUES    (Rale). 

Astur  rufitorqueg,  Feale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  68  (1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  II,  fig.  1,  adult  male;   fig.  2,  young 
female. 

A.  supra  totua  coerulescente-cinereus,  gutture  dlho,  infra  palllde  fusees- 
centi-ruhe,,  immnculatus.  Remiges  et  rectricea  coerulescente-cirwrei, 
tectricea  inferhrea  alarum  caudaque  albi.     Long'.  12  poUicea. 

breast  and  belly  striped  and  spotted  with  brown,  on  a  reddish-buff  ground ;  vent  buff, 
striped  with  brown;  thighs  and  under  tail-coverts  ferruginous;  the  centre  of  each  feather 
shaded  with  a  dprk  sepia  line  along  the  shaft ;  primaries  and  tail  beneath  plumbeous, 
barred  with  white,  and  having  the  shafts  white  beneath,  and  black  on  the  upper  surface ; 
third  quill  longest ;  first  and  fifth  equal ;  small  under  coverts  buff  color,  with  brown 
centres ;  tail  rounded,  composed  of  twelve  feathers,  the  shafts  of  which  are  dark-brown 
above,  dusky-white  beneath ;  the  light  bars  broadest  and  most  conspicuous  near  the  body, 
and  becoming  less  conspicuous  towards  the  extremity  of  the  tail;  cere  and  feet  pale-blub ; 
irides  brown. 

"  Total  length  fourteen  and  a  half  inches ;  wing,  from  the  flexure  or  ca?  lal  joint, 
nine  inches;  tail  six  inches;  bill  eight-tenths  of  an  inch;  tarsi  two  and  one-tenth 
inches." 


RAPT0RE8. 


91 


Form. — Bill  rather  large  and  strong,  with  the  cere  and  apertures  of  the 
nostrils  large;  upper  mandible  with  a  large  rounded  lobe,  tip  attenu< 
ated,  and  very  acute ;  lower  mandible  rather  small,  somewhat  flat- 
tened and  rounded  at  its  tip.  Wings  moderate,  with  the  first  primary 
short,  and  the  fourth  longest;  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  primaries  sinu- 
ated  on  their  external  webs,  which,  in  all  the  primaries,  are  wide ; 
secondaries  emarginated  at  their  tips,  and  with  their  shafts  slightly 
prolonged  or  mucronate.  Tail  rather  short,  composed  of  twelve 
feathers  of  nearly  uniform  length ;  tarsi  and  feet  moderate. 

Dimensions. — Adult  male.  Total  length  (of  skin),  from  tip  of  bill 
to  end  of  tail,  about  twelve  inches ;  wing  eight  inches;  tail  six  inches; 
tarsus  two  and  one-fourth  inches.    Adult  female  rather  larger. 

Colors. — Adult  male.  Head,  body,  wings,  and  tail  above,  uniform 
light  bluish-cinereous ;  throat  white ;  entire  plumage  of  the  under  sur- 
face of  the  body,  tibia,  and  narrow  collar  encircling  the  neck  behind, 
pale  brownish-red,  tinged  with  ashy,  and  deepest  on  the  collar  around 
the  neck ;  under  tail-coverts  white,  slightly  tinged  with  the  same  brown- 
ish-red of  the  other  plumage  of  the  under  parts.  Under  surface  of  the 
external  tail-feathers  very  pale,  nearly  white ;  others  the  same  on  their 
inner  webs.  Inner  coverts  of  the  wings  white,  and  all  the  quills  very 
pale  on  their  inferior  surfaces.  Bill  and  claws  bluish-black;  cere,  eye- 
lids, and  tarsi  gamboge-yellow ;  irides  orange. 

Young  male  and  young  female.  Entire  plumage  of  the  upper  parts 
of  the  head,  body,  wings,  and  tail  umber-brown  ;  many  of  the  feathers 
on  the  back  and  wings  edged  and  narrowly  tipped  with  ferruginous, 
and,  on  the  neck  behind,  white  at  their  bases.  Throat  white ;  nearly 
all  the  feathers  having  very  narrow,  longitudinal,  dark  lines ;  breast, 
abdomen,  flanks,  and  under  coverts  of  the  tail  white  ;  every  feather 
longitudinally  striped  with  umber-brown,  broad,  and  inclined  to  form 
rounded  spots  on  the  breast,  and  transverse  stripes  on  the  flanks,  slight 
on  the  under  coverts  of  the  tail.  Plumage  of  the  tibia  pale  brownish- 
red,  with  transverse  stripes  of  a  deepei-  shade  of  the  same  color.  Toil 
above  umber-brown,  very  pale,  and  tinged  with  reddish  on  the  edges 
of  the  inner  webs  of  the  feathers,  and  with  about  ten  to  twelve  trans- 
verse bands  of  brownish-black,  and  narrowly  tipped  with  pale  reddish- 
white ;  inferior  surface  of  the  tail  nearly  white,  tinged  with  brownish- 


92 


OBNITHOLOOY. 


red,  and  showing  very  conspicuously  the  dark  transverse  stripes.  Bill 
and  claws  black;  cere,  eyelids, and  tarsi  greenish-yellow;  irides  brown. 

Hab. — Feejee  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale,  this  bird  was  found  in  all  of  the  Feejee 
Islands,  where  it  was  known  to  the  natives  by  the  name  of  "  Manu 
levu  or  great  bird,  and  is  remarkable  for  its  courage  in  attacking  pigeons 
and  other  birds  equal  to  itself  in  size."  The  specimens  figured  were 
killed  near  the  town  of  Levuka,  in  the  Island  of  Ovolau.  They  are 
represented  about  two-thirds  of  the  natural  size. 

This  handsome  hawk  is  also  figured  in  the  Atlas  to  the  Voyage  of 
the  Astrolabe  and  Zelee,  Birds,  Plate  II,  fig.  2  (Paris,  folio).  In  Con- 
spectus Avium,  p.  33,  the  Prince  of  Canino  cites  this  figure  as  repre- 
senting Falco  hiogaater,  Miiller,  Verhandlingen,  p.  110,  but  erroneously, 
as  we  have  readily  determined  from  having  compared  specimens  of  the 
latter,  in  the  Museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  with  those  of  the 
present  bird,  in  the  National  Collection,  brought  by  the  present  Expe- 
dition in  the  Vincennes  and  Peacock.  The  two  species  are,  however, 
stri; '  ngeneric,  but  A.  hiogaater  is  the  larger,  and  of  a  difierent 
shaa  >lor  on  the  lower  parts.   Both  are  remarkable  for  the  entirely 

uniform  color  of  the  upper  and  also  of  the  under  parts,  without  spots 
or  stripes  of  any  kind  whatever. 


5.  Genus  BUTEO,  Cuvier,  Regn.  An.  I,  p.  323  (1817). 


1.    BUTEO  VABIDS,    Qould. 
Buteo  variuB,  Gould,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1837,  p.  10. 
Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  III,  fig.  1. 

Form. — Wings  rather  long,  and  reaching  within  two  inches  of  the  end 
of  the  tail ;  fourth  quill  longest ;  secondaries  and  tertiaries  remark- 
ably uniform  in  their  length.  Tail,  containing  twelve  feathers, 
rather  short ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet  moderate,  both  of  the  latter  very 
distinctly  scaled ;  tarsus  feathered  about  an  inch  below  the  joint. 


RAPT0RE8. 


93 


Dimensions. — Total  length  of  skin,  from  tip  of  bill  to  end  of  tail, 
about  nineteen  inches;  wing  fifteen  inches;  tail  nine  and  a  half  inches; 
tarsus  about  three  and  one-fourth  inches. 


Colors. — Throat  brownish-black,  unspotted.  Entire  plumage  of  the 
head  above,  back,  rump,  wings,  and  coverts  deep  sepia-brown  ;  many 
of  the  feathers  tipped  and  edged  with  reddish-ferruginous,  especially 
on  the  wing-coverts  and  rump,  and  almost  predominating  on  the  latter. 
Secondaries  and  some  of  the  primaries  tipped  with  pale  reddish-white, 
and  distinctly  marked  with  several  transverse  bars  of  a  deeper  shade 
of  the  same  brown.  Outer  primaries  brownish-black,  with  their  inter- 
nal webs  more  or  less  marked  with  white,  very  conspicuous  upon  view- 
ing the  inferior  surface  of  the  wing. 

Under  parts  pale  reddish-white;  every  feather  longitudinally  marked 
with  brownish-black ;  tinged  with  rufous  on  the  flanks  and  abdomen, 
and  with  that  color  predominating  on  the  tibia.  Tail  above  cinereous, 
becoming  white  on  the  inner  edges  of  the  feathers,  and  every  feather 
crossed  with  many  narrow  bands  of  brown ;  under  surface  of  the  tail 
white. 

Hab. — South  America,  Patagonia,  Chili.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus. 
Washington. 

This  buzzard  appears  to  be  extensively  diffused,  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition  containing  specimens  from  Patagonia  and  Chili.  They  are 
very  similar  to  each  other  in  color  and  other  characters,  and  are  con- 
stantly characterized  by  the  black  throat,  as  described  by  Mr.  Gould, 
and  as  represented  in  our  plate. 

Although  we  think  it  quite  probable  that  this  bird  assumes  a  very 
different  plumage  when  adult,  and  that  it  may  be  the  young  of  a  pre- 
viously known  species,  yet  we  have  not  succeeded  in  so  referring  it  with 
any  degree  of  satisfaction.  It  has  been  regarded  as  the  young  of  Buteo 
erythronotua  (King),  which  is  Buteo  tricolor,  D'Orbigny,  and  is  cited  as 
a  synonyme  in  Gray's  Genera  of  Birds,  I,  p.  12,  Bonaparte's  Conspectus 
Avium,  p.  17,  and  in  Kaup's  Arrangement  of  the  Falconidae. 

We  have  had  ample  opportunities  of  examining  specimens  of  that 
species  in  various  stages  of  plumage,  in  the  collection  of  the  Philadel- 
phia Academy,  and  of  comparing  them  with  those  of  the  present  bird, 
in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  but  have  not  been  able  to  trace  a 

24 


94 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


succeBsion  of  plumages  sufficient  to  justify  the  conclusion  which  the 
distinguished  ornithologists,  above  referred  to,  have  adopted.  At 
present,  we  can  only  consider  it  as  different  from  any  other  species 
known  to  us,  though  probably  our  specimens  are  in  young  plumage. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  with  reference  to  tlie  bird  now  before  us  :  "  On 
the  Rio  Negro,  Patagonia,  this  species  is  common.  We  saw  it  near 
the  mouth  of  the  river,  sitting  on  the  pinnacles  of  bare  sand-hills  or 
on  low  bushes  (that  part  of  Patagonia  being  destitute  of  trees),  watch- 
ing for  small  birds  and  lizards,  on  which  they  feed.  We  saw  them 
ugaiu  at  Orange  Bay  and  near  Valparaiso." 


2.   BUTEO  VENTRALIS,    Oould.      *  • 

Buleo  venlraliB,  Gould,  Proo.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1837,  p.  10. 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  III,  fig.  2. 

Form. — Wing  moderate  or  rather  long,  with  the  fourth  quill  slightly 
longest;  tertiaries  m^oh  longer  than  the  secondaries;  tail  moderate; 
tarsi  rather  short,  robust,  and  with  the  toes  very  distinctly  scaled. 
Bill  rather  short  and  weak.     General  form  robust  and  strong. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  from  tip  of  bill  to  end  of  tail, 
about  twenty-two  inches ;  wing  sixteen  and  a  half  inches ;  tail  ten 
inches ;  tarsus  about  three  inches. 

Colors. — Throat  and  other  under  parts  pale  yellowish- white ;  many 
of  the  feathers,  especially  on  the  throat  and  sides  of  the  breast,  with 
longitudinal  stripes  of  brown,  most  numerous  and  widest  on  the  latter. 
A  wide  band  across  the  abdominal  region,  composed  of  longitudinal  and 
transverse  marks  on  every  feather,  light  brownish-ferruginous ;  thighs 
and  under  tail-coverts  with  transverse  bands  of  a  paler  shade  of  the 
same  color,  but  nearly  obsolete  on  the  latter. 

Head  above,  back,  rump,  and  coverts  of  the  wings  dark  sepia-brown ; 
many  feathers  tipped  and  edged  with  rufous,  especially  on  the  head, 
neck,  and  upper  tail-coverts ;  wing-coverts,  at  their  bases,  with  bars 
and  rounded  spots  of  white.  Quills  brown,  with  transverse  bars  of  a 
deeper  shade  of  the  same  color,  and  tinged  with  cinereous  on  their 


RAPT0RE8. 


95 


outer  webs,  and  all  of  them  widely  bordered  mth  white  on  their  inner 
webs,  conspicuous  when  the  wing  is  viewed  from  below.  Tail  above 
cinereous,  with  transverse  stripes  of  brown,  and  all  the  feathers,  except 
the  two  in  the  middle,  bordered  with  vhite  on  their  inner  webs ;  infe- 
rior surface  white. 

Hab. — Patagonia,  Tierra  del  Fuego.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Wash- 
ington. 

One  very  fine  specimen,  from  Orange  Bay,  Tierra  del  Fuego,  in  the 
collection  of  the  Expedition,  is  all  that  we  have  ever  seen  of  this  bird. 
Late  authors,  for  the  greater  part,  have  cuiiHidered  it  as  the  young  of 
the  common  Buteo  borealis,  of  North  America,  with  which  conclusion 
we  cannot  at  present  coincide.  It  may,  however,  be  the  young  of 
the  western  Buteo  montamts,  Nuttall,  but  not  having  within  our  reach 
sufficient  evidence,  we  must  regard  it  as  a  distinct  species.  It  is  about 
the  same  size  as  the  female  of  the  bird  mentioned,  and  considerably 
resembles  the  young  of  that  species  figured  by  Audubon,  in  Birds  of 
America,  Plate  CCCLXXII  (Octavo  edition,  I,  Plate  VI),  but  is  not 
80  dark  colored  in  the  plumage  of  the  superior  parts. 


6.  Gends  HALIAETUS,  Savigny,  Hist.  Nat.  d'Egypt,  I,  p.  85  (1809). 

1.  Haliaetus  leucocephalus  {Linn.). — The  White-headed  Eagle. 

The  Bald  Eagle. 

Fako  leucocephalus,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  124  (1766). 
Faki  py(jar(ju»,  Daudin,  Traite,  II,  p.  02  (1800). 
Fako  o»»ifra(ju»,  WiLSON,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  p.  16  (1813). 

Catesby,  Car.  I,  Plate  I;  Buff.  PI.  Enl.  411;  Vieill.  Ois.  d'Am.Sept. 
I,  Plate  III ;  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  IV,  Plate  XXXVI ;  VII,  Plate  LV ; 
Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  XXXI,  CXXVI;  Oct.  edition,  I,  Plate  XIV. 


This  fine  species,  well  known  as  an  inhabitant  of  the  States  of  this 
Confederacy,  on  the  Atlantic  and  in  the  interior,  is  also  a  common  bird 
of  the  shores  of  the  Pacific.  It  appears  in  fact  to  be  diffused  through- 
out North  America,  from  Mexico  to  the  confines  of  the  perpetual  frost. 


96 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Mr.  Peale  says  :  "  Eagles  are  numerous  on  the  northwest  coast  of 
America,  particularly  so  along  the  banks  of  the  Columbia  River,  where 
fishes,  their  favorite  food,  are  plentiful  at  all  seasons." 

This  bird  is  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  occurring  at  almost  every 
point  visited  by  the  Expedition  in  Oregon  and  California. 

7.  Genus  PANDION,  Saviyny,  Hist.  Nat.  d'Egypt,  I,  p.  95  (1809). 

1.  Pandion  carolinensis  (Gmclin). — The  Fish  Hawk.    The 

American  Osprey. 

Fako  carolinemis,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  263  (1788). 
Aqnila  piscatrix,  ViEiLL.  Ois.  Am.  Sept.  I,  p.  29  (1807). 
Pandion  americanus,  VlElLL.  Gal.  I,  p.  33  (1825). 

Vieill.  Ois.  d'Am.  Sept.  I,  Plate  IV ;  Cat.  Car.  I,  Plate  II;  Wilson, 
Am.  Orn.  V,  Plate  XXXVII ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  LXXXI ;  Oct. 
ed.  I,  Plate  XV. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  from  Oregon,  are  pre- 
cisely similar,  so  far  as  we  can  see,  to  the  well-known  bird  of  the  coast 
of  the  Atlantic  States.  It  is,  therefore,  another  of  the  species  of  rapa- 
cious birds,  which  is  extensively  diffused. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale,  "the  fish  hawk  is  abundant  along  the  coasts 
of  Oregon  and  California,  though  not  so  numerous  as  on  the  Atlantic 
coast.  On  the  Columbia  River,  they  appeared  to  be  annoyed  by  the 
great  numbers  of  eagles,  which  are  constantly  plundering  them  of  their 
food,  and,  in  consequence,  they  are  obliged  to  seek  more  retired  fishing 
ground.s.'' 

Dr.  Pickering  notices  this  bird  as  especially  abundant  on  the  Sacra- 
mento River,  but  also  frequently  observed  elsewhere,  at  the  various 
points  visited  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition. 


2.  Pandion  haliaetus  {Linn.), — The  Osprey. 

Falco  haliaetus,  Linn.  Syst,  Nat.  I,  p.  129  (17G6). 

J'untlioH  indicus,  HoDOSON,  Jour.  As.  Soo.  Bengal,  VI,  p.  3G6  (1837). 

Gould,  B.  of  Eur.  I,  Plate  XII. 


RAPTORES. 


97 


Mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  having  been  noticed  in  the  harbor 
of  Singapore.  We  fail  to  detect  any  characters  by  which  Asiatic  speci- 
mens can  be  distinguished  from  those  of  Europe,  in  the  fine  series  now 
before  us,  belonging  to  the  Museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  and 
in  fact  either  can  be  distinguished  only  with  difficulty  from  the  com- 
mon bird  of  the  United  States. 


3.  Pandion  solitarius  {Peale). 
Bxiteo  solitarius,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Ezp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  62  (1st  edition,  1848). 
Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  IV.    Adult. 

P.  caput  et  corpus  totum  infra  flavencenti-alba,  dorsum^  alae  caudaque 
umbrina.     Hujua  generis  minimus.     Long.  17  poll  ices. 

Form. — The  smallest  of  this  genus.  Bill  rather  long,  compressed,  con- 
spicuously lobed,  and  attenuated  at  the  end ;  wing  long,  with  the 
third,  fourth,  and  fifth  quills  longest  and  nearly  equal ;  tail  mode- 
rate, rather  short,  even  at  the  tip,  containing  twelve  feathers ;  tarsi 
robust,  covered  in  front  and  behind  with  rather  broad  transverse 
scales ;  toes  strong  and  rather  lengthened,  their  under  surfaces 
strongly  corrugated  or  pustulated;  claws  very  large,  long,  and 
curved. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin,  sex  unknown),  from  tip  of  bill 
to  end  of  tail,  about  seventeen  inches  ;  wing  twelve  inches  ;  tail  seven 
and  a  half  inches ;  bill,  from  gape  to  the  point  of  the  upper  mandible, 
one  and  a  half  inches  ;  tarsus  two  and  three-fourths  inches ;  hind  toe 
and  claw  one  and  three-fourths  inches. 

Colors. — Sex  unknown.  Head,  and  entire  under  parts,  and  upper 
tail-coverts  yellowish-white,  all  the  feathers  being  pure  white  at  their 
bases,  and  widely  terminated  with  pale  yellowish,  most  distinct  on  the 
breast  and  tibioQ.  Occiput  and  neck  behind  with  oblong  longitudinal 
spots  of  umber-brown,  which  is  the  color  also  of  all  the  upper  surface 
of  the  body,  wing?,  and  tail.  Shafts  of  quills  reddish-chestnut  on  their 
upper  surface,  white  beneath ;  inner  webs  of  quills  widely  edged  with 

,  ^ 


98 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


white.     Tail  beneath  silky-white,  tinged  with  yellowish.     Bill  and 
claws  dark  (in  skin). 

Hab. — Hawaii,  Sandwich  Islands.  Specimen  in  Mus.  Acad.  Phila- 
delphia. 

This  rather  singular  species  appears  to  belong  to  a  group  which  con- 
tains several  species  of  fishing-eagles,  some  of  which  are  of  much  larger 
size  than  the  present  bird.  In  form  and  general  appearance  it  much 
resembles  P.  ichthyaelm  (Horsfield),  and  P.  humilis  (Mtiller),  though 
smaller,  and  we  have  never  seen  in  either  of  those  species,  so  far  as 
specimens  have  come  under  our  notice,  the  yellowish  or  pale  buflf  color 
of  the  plumage  of  the  head  and  under  parts,  which  prevails  in  the  bird 
now  described.  Both  of  the  species  mentioned  inhabit  islands  of  the 
Malay  Archipelago ;  the  present  bird  was  noticed  only  at  the  Sand- 
wich Islands. 

No  specimen  of  this  bird  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition.  That 
originally  described  by  Mr.  Peale  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Academy 
of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia,  to  which  it  was  presented  by 
John  K.  Townsend,  M.D.  It  was  obtained  near  Karakakoa  Bay,  in 
the  Island  of  Hawaii,  and  sent  to  Dr.  Townsend  by  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Forbes,  who  was  attached  to  the  Presbyterian  Mission  to  the  Sand- 
wich Islands.  It  is  the  only  specimen  that  we  have  seen,  and  for  its 
use,  in  the  preparation  of  our  plate  and  the  present  description,  we 
are  indebted  to  the  kindness  of  the  gentlemen  of  the  Academy. 

This  bird  is  strictly  a  member  of  a  subgenus  of  the  generic  group 
Rvulion,  designated  PAioaetna,  by  Dr.  Kaup  (Jardine's  Contributions 
to  Ornithology,  1850,  p.  72),  and  is  much  the  smallest  of  the  species, 
being  even  smaller  than  P.  humilis.  The  same  group  has  been  called 
Ichihyaetiis,  by  the  Baron  de  La  Fresnaye,  a  distinguished  French 
ornithologist. 


8.  Genus  HALIA8TUR,  Sdby  (1840). 

1.  Haliastur  INDUS  (Bxhhiert). — The  Brahmin  Kite.     The 
Pondiclierry  Eagle, 

Falroindus,  BoDD.  Tab.  des  PI.  Enl.  Buff-p.'25  (1783). 
/'</ropo«/((i?j-i«ntti,  Om.  Syst.JJ^ti.I,  p.  2'ij  (1788), 


RAPT0RE8. 


99 


BuflF.  PI.  Enl.  416 ;  Vieill.  Gal.  I,  Plate  X. 


This  well-known  bird  we  find  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  occur- 
ring in  abundance  at  the  Philippine  Islands.  "  The  Brahmin  kite," 
he  says,  "  is  very  common  in  the  vicinity  of  the  rivers  and  lakes,  and 
in  appearance  and  to  a  considerable  extent  in  manners  is  a  miniature 
of  the  white-headed  eagle  of  the  United  States.  A  specimen,  seen  at 
Mayjayjay,  appeared  to  be  an  albino.  It  was  perfectly  white  below, 
but  the  wings  were  lightly  tinged  with  rufous." 


9.  Genus  MILVAGO,  Sjux,  Av.  Bras.  I,  p.  12  (1824). 

1.   MiLVAGO  CHIMACHJNA  {Vieill.), 

Polj/borut  chtmachi'na,  ViEiLL.  Nouv.  Diet.  V,  p.  259  (1816). 
Milvayo  ochrocephalu*,  Spix,  Av.  Bras.  I,  p.  12  (1824). 
Poll/boms  crotophagug,  De  Wied,  Beitr.  Ill,  p.  162  (1830). 
Falco  deijener,  LiCHT.  Verz.  p.  61  (1823). 
Gynnopi  slriijUatus,  Spix,  Av.  Bras.  I,  p.  10  (1824). 

Jard.  and  Selby,  111.  I,  Plate  II ;  Spix,  Av.  Bras.  X,  Plate  IV,  V. 

Numerous  specimens  of  this  abundant  species  are  in  the  collection 
of  the  Expedition,  presenting,  however,  nothing  unusual  in  their  cha- 
racteristics.    Mr.  Peale  observes  : 

"  A  pair  of  these  birds  was  found  on  an  island  opposite  the  harbor 
of  Rio  de  Janeiro,  on  the  seventh  of  January,  where  we  had  reason  to 
believe  they  were  breeding.  We  were  not,  however,  successful  in  find- 
ing its  nest." 

2.    MiLV AGO  CHIMANGO  (FtetV?.). 

Polyhorut  chimanijo,  ViEiLL.  Nouv.  Diet.  V,  p.  260  (1810).  .  , 

Gray,  Genera  of  Birds,  I,  Plate  V. 

The  chimango  is  probably  the  most  abundatjt  of  the  species  of  the 
rapacious  birds  of  South  America.  It  is  dull  and  voracious  in  its 
habits  and  disposition,  and,  in  our  opinion,  shows  a  more  decided 
affinity  to  the  vultures  than  to  the  falcons. 


100 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


"  We  obtained,"  says  Mr.  Peale,  "  this  species  on  the  Rio  Negro, 
Patagonia,  and  in  Chili.  In  the  latter  country  they  were  very  tame, 
and  were  seen  in  considerable  numbers  along  the  public  roads,  feeding 
on  the  carcasses  of  horses  and  cattle  left  by  travellers.  Family  parties 
of  six  or  seven  were  frequently  noticed,  but  we  were  not  so  fortunate 
as  to  find  its  nest." 

Numerous  specimens  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 


10.  Genus  POLYBORUS,  Vieill.  Analyse,  p.  22  (1816). 

1.  PoLTBORUS  THARUS  {Md'ma). — The  Caracara  Eagle. 

Fuko  than*,  MoL.  Sagg.  Stor.  Nat.  del  Chili  (1782). 
Falco  cheritcay,  Jacquin,  Oesch.  der  Vogel,  p.  17  (1784). 
Falco  braniliemis,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  262  (1788). 
i\lyhorut  vulgarii,  YiEiLL.  Nouv.  Diet.  V,  p.  257  (1816), 

Jacq.  Vog.  Plate  IV;  Vieill.  Gal.  I,  Plate  VII;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  I, 
Plate  CLXI;  oct.  ed.  I,  Plate  IV;  Gay's  Chili,  Orn.  Plate  I. 

The  caracara  eagle  was  observed,  and  specimens  obtained  at  various 
localities.  The  first  notice  of  it  occurring  in  Dr.  Pickering's  Journal,  is 
dated  at  Rio  Negro,  Patagonia,  February,  1839.  "  Birds  of  prey  were 
very  numerous  and  far  from  shy.  It  was  novel  to  me  to  see  the  cara- 
cara perching  sometimes  on  the  bushes,  but  more  usually  on  the  sand, 
and  even  in  the  mud  on  the  margin  of  the  river.  But  in  an  unwooded 
country  like  this,  birds  may  occasionally  be  under  the  necessity  of 
abandoning  their  usual  habits,  and  of  resting  on  the  ground. 

"  This  was  the  largest  rapacious  bjrd  met  with  here,  and  seemed  to 
me  to  be  lai/er  than  specimens  from  Florida,  which  I  had  seen, 
though  not  differing  in  general  characters,  if  my  memory  serves  me. 
The  skin  about  the  bill  has  not  the  bright  red  color  as  given  in  Mr. 
Audubon's  figure  from  a  Florida  specimen.  Its  talons  are  quite  power- 
ful, as  I  have  witnessed." 

Under  date  also  of  February,  1839,  at  Tierra  del  Fuego,  he  observes : 
"  One  specimen  of  the  common  caracara  obtained  here,  had  the  breast, 
neck,  and  back,  marked  with  very  fine  transverse  lines.  It  appears 
to  be  abundant  throughout  Patagonia." 

At  Valparaiso,  April,  1839,  he  observes  :  "  The  caracara  was  occar 


RAPTORES. 


101 


sionally  seen  by  the  roadside,  on  the  way  to  Santiago,  but  was  much 
less  numerous  than  on  the  Rio  Negro;"  and  a  short  time  subsequently 
at  Callao :  "  The  caracara,  which  we  have  met  with  hitherto  abundantly, 
we  saw  here  only  on  two  or  three  occasions." 

This  species,  which  assumes  all  the  habits  of  the  vultures,  appears 
to  be  abundant  throughout  the  greater  portion  of  South  and  Central 
America,  and  Mexico.  It  has  been  observed  also,  but  rarely,  in 
Florida.  It  walks  and  runs  on  the  ground  with  great  facility,  and 
subsists  entirely  on  dead  animals  in  any  stage  of  decay.  It  is  now 
frequently  brought  in  collections  from  Texas,  but  we  have  not  detected 
any  characters  showing  a  specific  difference  between  the  bird  of  that 
country  and  of  South  America. 


2.  PoLYBORUS  AusTEALis  (GWuZm) — The  Southern  Caracara. 

Falco  amtralis,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  259  (1788). 
CircaSlus  antarcticus,  Lksson,  Traite  I,  p.  49  (1831). 

Temm.  PI.  Col.  192,  224  ;  Jard.  &  Selby,  111.  n.  s.  I,  Plate  XXIV. 

Several  fine  specimens  of  this  handsome  bird  are  in  the  collection 
of  the  Expedition. 

Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  Not  uncommon  at  Orange  Harbor  and  Tierra  del  Fuego,  where 
we  saw  and  obtained  a  number  of  them." 


11.  Genus  CIRCUS,  Lacepede,  Mem.  d'Inst.  Ill,  p.  50G  (1803). 
1.  Circus  assimilis,  Jardlne  and  Selby. 


Circus  assimilt'g,  Jardine  &  Selbt,  111.  Orn.  II,  p.  (no  date). 

Circus  approximans,  Pealp,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  64  (Ist  cd.  1848).* 

*  "General  form,  like  C.  ci/aneut,h\it  larger;  head  and  neck  striped  with  ferruginous 
sepia-brown  and  white ;  back  and  wings,  sepia-brown ;  tail,  consisting  of  twelve  feathers, 
each  having  five  brown  bars,  the  two  middle  feathers  cinereous,  the  others  more  or  less 
ferruginous  on  their  inner  webs;  the  three  outer  feathers  white  on  their  outer  webs  near 
the  base ;  tail  beneath,  nearly  white,  with  dusky  bars  which  are  obscure  on  the  two 
outer  feathers ;  throat,  breast,  and  vent,  tawny,  each  feather  having  a  brown  stripe  along 

2t( 


102 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Jard.  &  Selby,  111.  Orn.  II,  Plate  LI ;  Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  I,  Plate 
XXVI. 

A  specimen  of  this  species  in  young  plumage  from  the  Feejee  Islands 
is  very  similar  to  others  from  Australia,  now  in  the  collection  of  the 
Philadelphia  Academy.     We  have  no  doubt  of  their  specific  identity. 

Mr.  Peale  remarks : 

"  This  hawk's  manners,  its  long  wings  and  tail,  its  white  rump,  and 
its  unceasing  industry  in  coursing,  will  at  once  remind  an  American 
of  the  marsh  hawk,  or  the  Englishman  of  the  harrier.  Lizards  form 
no  inconsiderable  portioi  of  its  food. 

"  Our  specimen  is  a  male,  and  was  shot  at  Mathuata,  Island  of 
Venua  Levu,  on  the  twenty-first  of  June." 

This  bird  is  known  almost  exclusively  as  a  bird  of  Australia,  and  is 
very  handsomely  figured  by  Mr.  Gould,  as  above  cited.  Its  being  ob- 
tained at  the  Feejee  Islands  by  the  present  Expedition,  is  a  point  of 
much  interest,  and  demonstrates  a  more  extensive  range  of  locality 
than  hitherto  assigned  to  this  species. 


2.  Circus  hudsonius  (Linn.). — The  Marsh  Ilawk.- 
American  Harrier. 


-The 


Falco  huilsoniuB,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  128  (17G6). 
Fa/co  ullijinosus,  G.M.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  278  (1788). 
Falco  europoijistm,  Daud.  Traite,  11,  p.  110  (1800). 

Vieill.  Ois.  d'Am.  Sept.  I,  Plate  IX;  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VI,  Plate 
LI,  Fig.  2 ;  Bonap.  Am.  Orn.  II,  Plate  XII ;  And.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCLVI;  oct.  ed.  I,  Plate  XXVI;  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  Bir's,  Plate 
XXIX. 


its  centre ;  feathers  of  the  crown  and  nape,  white  at  their  bases;  those  of  the  head,  brown 
in  the  centre,  with  ferruginous  margins ;  those  of  the  neck  with  white  margins,  which 
form  a  nuchal  spot;  scapulars  dark  sepia-brown,  slightly  tipped  with  ferruginous;  pri- 
maries dark-brown,  gray  on  the  outer  web;  spurious  wings  gray,  with  three  brown  bars; 
shafts  chcHtnut-brown  above,  dus>ky  beneath ;  third  quill  longest,  first  and  sixth  nearly 
equal,  first  four  with  deeply  indented  inner  webs,  and  slightly  barred  on  the  under  side 
with  tawny. 

"  Total  length,  nineteen  and  a  half  inches ;  wing  from  the  flexure,  fifteen  and  three- 
quarter  inches;  tail,  eight  and  a  half  inches;  tarsi,  three  and  a  half  inches;  middle  toe 
including  the  nail,  one  and  three-quarter  inches;  nail,  seven-tenths  of  an  inch;  bill,  one 
and  three-tenths  of  an  inch.     Male.'' 


RAPTORES. 


108 


On  careful  and  minute  examination  of  several  specimens  from  Cali- 
fornia and  Oregon,  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  and  others,  we 
find  them  to  be  strictly  identical  with  the  common  bird  of  the  States 
on  the  Atlantic.  This  species  has,  therefore,  a  very  extensive  range  of 
locality,  embracing  nearly  the  whole  of  North  America.  Numerous 
specimens  from  a  variety  of  localities  west  of  the  Mississippi  River, 
collected  by  the  parties  that  surveyed  routes  for  a  railroad  to  the 
Pacific  Ocean,  are  now  also  in  the  National  Museum. 

Though  considered  by  ornithologists  generally  as  identical  with  the 
European  Circxis  cyaneua,  this  bird  is  really  very  different,  and,  of  course, 
fully  entitled  to  a  specific  designation.  In  fact,  no  person  accustomed 
to  making  investigations  in  Zoology,  would,  for  a  moment,  suspect  the 
identity  of  these  two  species,  with  facilities  before  him  for  comparing 
them. 


8.  Family  STRIGID.^.— The  Owls. 


1.  Genus  STRIX,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  131  (1760). 


1.  Strix  perlata,  Lichtemtein. 


Sirix  perlata,  LicHT.  Verz.  p.  59  (1823). 


This  is  one  of  several  species  of  owls,  which  bear  more  or  less  inti- 
mate resemblance  to  the  common  barn  owls  of  Europe  and  North 
America,  Strix  flammea  and  pratincola,  and  appears,  in  fact,  to  re- 
present the  group  now  regarded  as  forming  the  typical  genus  Strix,  in 
South  America.  The  species  of  this  eminently  natural  group  are  for 
the  greater  part  only  to  be  distinguished  by  rather  minute  and  fre- 
quently apparently  unimportant  characters,  which  are,  however,  found 
to  be  constant  and  characteristic.  To  these  characters,  different  natu- 
ralists ascribe  very  different  >grees  of  value. 

•  Of  this  South  American  species,  which  we  regard  as  distinct  from 
any  other,  notwithstanding  the  opinions  of  nearly  all  the  late  autho- 
rities, several  specinjens  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition.  It 
is  smaller  than  its  near  relative  of  North  America,  Strix  pratincola, 
Bonaparte,  and  is  more  nearly  the  size  of  Strix  Jiammea,  Linn.,  of  the 
old  world,  which  otherwise  also  it  much  resembles.     BVom  the  latter. 


104 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


however,  it  can  be  readily  diatinguisked  by  its  much  longer  tarsi ;  a 
character  especially  mentioned  in  the  original  description  by  Professor 
Lichtenstein,  in  his  Catalogue  of  the  Duplicates  in  the  Berlin  Museum, 
p.  59.  (Verzeichniss  der  Doubletten  des  zoologischen  Museums  der 
Kiinigl.  Universitat  zu  Berlin,  1823.) 

This  species  is  quite  distinct  from  the  Strix  /urcaia,  Temm.  (PI. 
Col.  432),  of  which  we  have  seen  specimens  from  the  West  Indies. 
The  latter,  so  far  as  shown  in  the  specimens  to  which  we  allude,  may 
always  be  recognized  by  its  white  quill-feathers,  and  generally  more 
light-colored  plumtige  and  emarginate  tail.  That  bird  {S.  farcitta),  is 
the  most  handsome  species  of  its  genus. 


2.  Strix  pkatincola,  Bonaparte. 

Strix  prattncola,  BoNAP.  Comp.  List.  p.  7  (1838). 

Strix  americana,  AuD.  Orn.  Biog.  II,  p.  421  (1834,  but  not  of  Gmelin,  1788). 


Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VI,  Plate  L,  fig.  2;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CLXXl ;  Oct.  ed.  l)  Plate  XXXIV. 

Mentioned  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  as  having  been  ob- 
served in  Oregon.  Specimens  from  that  country  which  we  have  ex- 
amined, present  no  material  variations  from  the  bird  of  the  States  on 
the  Atlantic,  unless  it  is  a  tendency  to  the  white  color  in  the  quills 
which  characterizes  Strix  furcata  oi  the  West  Indies,  alluded  to  in  the 
preceding  article.  In  specimens  from  California,  it  is  quite  usual  to 
find  the  quills  very  light-colored,  but,  perhaps,  never  forming  such  a 
strong  character  in  that  respect,  as  in  the  West  India  bird,  just  men- 
tioned. This  bird,  from  any  locality  in  North  America,  is,  however, 
very  liable  to  variation  in  the  shades  of  its  colors,  though  it  will  be 
ascertained  by  sufficiently  extensive  examination,  that  the  pattern  of 
the  markings  always  remains  the  same.  Such  is  the  case,  too,  in  all 
the  species  of  this  difficult  genus,  and  in  fact,  in  much  the  greater  part 
of  all  others. 

The  present  bird  is  larger  than  its  near  relative  of  Europe,  Strix 
flammea,  with  which  it  was  considered  identical  by  the  earlier  Ameri- 
can naturalists,  and  is  fully  entitled  to  be  regarded  as  a  distinct  species. 
It  is  much  more  abundant  in  the  Southern  than  in  the  Northern 


R  A  P  T  0  R  E  8.  ^06 

States,  and  is  of  rare  occurrence  in  the  vicinity  of  Philadelphia.  On 
the  Pacific  coast,  it  is  one  of  numerous  species  that  venture  much 
farther  north  than  on  the  coast  of  the  Atlantic. 


3.  Strix  oelicatuta,  Oould. 

Slrtx  delicatula,  QoULO,  Proo.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1886,  p.  140. 

Slrix  lulu,  Peaub,  Zoology,  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  71  (Ist  edition,  1848).* 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  I,  Plate  XXXI. 

This  species,  which  is  another  of  those  that  considerably  resemble 
Strix  Jiammea  of  Europe,  and  Strix  pratincola  of  North  America,  was 
observed  principally  in  the  Samoan  Islands.  It  is,  however,  one  of 
the  best-defined  aud  easily  recognized  of  the  closely  allied  species 
alluded  to,  and  is  beautifully  represented  in  Mr.  Gould's  Birds  of  Aus- 
tralia, as  above  cited. 

This  bird  may  be  readily  distinguished  by  its  light-gray  color,  singu> 
larly  uniform  for  a  species  of  this  group,  in  all  the  specimens  now 
before  us,  including  several  brought  by  the  Expedition  and  the  origi- 
nal specimens  from  Mr.  Gould's  collection,  now  in  the  Museum  of  the 
Philadelphia  Academy.  According  to  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedi- 
tion, it  is  called  Lulu  by  the  inhabitants  of  Samoa. 

Mr.  Peale's  .observations  on  this  bird  are  as  follows  : 


*  "  Like  the  foregoing  (^Strix  amencana,  Aud.),  but  smaller,  lighter  colored,  and 
having  shorter  wings.  Top  of  the  head,  neck,  back,  upper  surface  of  the  wings,  and  tail 
light-gray,  mottled  with  pale-brown,  and  having  a  slight  tinge  of  tawny ;  tho  tip  of 
each  feather  of  the  dorsal  plumage  having  a  black  spot  with  a  white  centre ;  tail  consist- 
ing of  twelve  feathers,  each  with  four  brown  bars,  three  only  of  which  show  on  the  under 
surface ;  wings  barred  like  the  tail ;  throat,  breast,  belly,  thighs,  and  all  the  under  parts, 
including  the  wings  and  tail,  white;  a  few  small  black  spots  scattered  over  the  under 
Wingcoverts,  breast,  and  flanks ;  plumage  of  the  thighs  and  tarsi  pure-white,  and  not  so 
full  nor  descending  as  low  as  in  the  American  species ;  irides  dark-brown  ;  bill  and  legs 
pale  flesh-color )  the  latter  covered  with  brown  scales. 

"  Total  length  twelve  and  three-fourths  inches ;  extent  of  wings  thirty-four  and  one- 
fourth  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  eleven  and  four-tenths  inches;  tail  four  and 
three-tenths  inches;  tarsi  two  and  one-fourth  inches ;  middle  toe,  including  the  nail,  one 
and  nineteen-twentieths  inches ;  nail  seven-tenths  of  an  inch ;  hind  toe,  including  the 
nail,  one  and  four-tenths  inches ;  nail  seven-tenths  of  an  inch.     Female." 

27 


106 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


"  This  species  is  quite  common  in  the  Island  of  Upolu,  and  other 
islands  of  the  Samoan  Group.  It  is  frequently  abroad  during  the  day, 
and  flies  with  ease  and  almost  perfect  silence.  We  obtained  numer- 
ous specimens,  which  vary  but  little,  though  some  are  light-gray  above, 
and  snow-white  beneath,  while  others  are  pale-tawny  above,  but  having 
also  white  breasts. 

"  A  single  specimen  was  obtained  at  the  Island  of  Ovolau,  one  of 
the  Feejee  Group." 


2.  Genus  CICCABA,  Wagler,  Isib,  1882,  p.  1222. 


1.   CiCOABA  MELANONOTA  {Tichttdi). 


Noctua  melanoaola,  Tschudi,  Faun.  Peru.  Aves,  p.  114,  PI.  IV  ([1846). 

The  specimen  in  the  collection,  which  appears  to  have  been  obtained 
in  Brazil,  differs  from  the  figure  and  description  given  by  M.  Yon 
Tschudi  (Fauna  Peruana,  Birds,  p.  114,  Plate  IV),  in  having  the 
brown  color  of  the  upper  parts  extended  to  the  neck  in  front,  and 
downwards  on  to  the  breast,  somewhat  broken  on  the  neck  in  front 
by  the  partially  white  feathers  of  the  facial  disk  or  ruff.  It  is  proba- 
bly a  more  mature  specimen  than  that  described  by  the  discoverer  of 
this  species,  tlie  learned  and  indefatigable  naturalist  and  traveller  just 
mentioned. 

Plumage  around  the  base  of  the  bill  and  extending  over  the  eyes 
yellowish-white.  Entire  plumage  of  the  upper  parts  of  the  head  and 
body,  wings,  and  tail,  dark  umber-brown ;  neck  before  with  the  feathers 
of  the  disk  brown,  mixed  with  white,  and  apparently  forming  an 
irregular  band,  immediately  succeeded  by  a  wide  transverse  band  of 
brown  across  the  breast.  Abdomen,  legs,  and  under  tail-coverts  pale- 
reddish  or  rusty-white,  many  feathers  having  transverse  bars  of  red- 
dish-brown ;  under  wing-coverts  pale  reddish-yellow.  Tail  umber- 
brown,  with  about  four  narrow  transverse  bars  of  white,  and  tipped 
with  white.  Total  length  about  sixteen  inches ;  wing  twelve  inches ; 
tail  seven  and  a  half  inches. 

This  species,  of  which  this  is  the  only  specimen  that  we  have  seen, 
is  strictly  congeneric  with   Ciccaba  torquata,  Daudin,  but  can  readily 


R  APT0BE8. 


107 


be  distinguished.  The  specimen  now  before  us,  which  is  in  excellent 
plumage  and  preservation,  we  regard  as  one  of  the  most  interesting  in 
the  collection  of  the  Expedition  or  in  the  National  Museum,  and  there 
is  no  other,  so  far  as  we  know,  in  any  other  collection  in  this  country. 


8.  Genus  SCOPS,  Savigny,  Hist.  Nat.  d'Egypt,  I,  p.  105  (1809). 

1.  Scops  sunia  {Hodgean). 
Scopi  funia,  Hodgson,  Ab.  Res.  XIX,  p.  175  (1886). 
Jerdon,  111.  Ind.  Zool.  Plate  XLI. 

The  only  specimen  of  this  species  that  we  have  ever  seen,  in 
mottled  brown  and  white  plumage,  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedi- 
tion. This  is  one  of  several  species  which  present  very  nearly  the 
same  variations  of  color  as  the  common  red  and  mottled  owls  of  the 
United  States  {E.  naevia  and  asio).  Of  two  specimens  from  Malacca, 
in  the  collection,  one  is  in  the  red  plumage,  as  originally  described  by 
Mr.  Hodgson,  as  above  cited,  and  as  figured  by  Mr.  Jerdon  in  illustra- 
tions of  Indian  Zoology,  Plate  XLI ;  the  other  has  the  entire  plumage 
mottled  brownish  and  black,  with  white  spots,  the  last  predominating 
on  the  under  parts  of  the  body. 

The  group  to  which  this  little  owl  belongs,  which  is  mainly  com- 
posed of  nearly  allied  Asiatic  species,  is,  however,  one  of  the  most 
difficult  in  Ornithology.  We  cannot  pretend  to  trace  the  synonymes 
of  this  species,  therefore,  on  the  present  occasion. 


4.  Genhb  BRACHYOTUS,  Gould,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  18.37,  p.  10. 
1.  Brachyotus  galapagoensis  {Gould). 

OluB  galapagoensis,  GouLD,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1837,  p.  10. 
Strix  sandwichemis,  BjCoxham,  Voy.  Blonde,  p.  250  (1826).  ? 
Strtx  georgica,  Latuam,  Ind.  Orn.  Supp.  p.  15  (1801).? 

For  the  first  time,  we  have  an  opportunity  of  examining  specimens 


108 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


from  the  Sandwich  IsIaAdfl,  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition.  They 
are  larger  and  darker  colored  than  the  bird  of  North  America ;  and, 
after  careful  examination,  appear  to  us  to  be  Btrictly  identical  with 
the  bird  from  the  Oallapagos  Islands,  described  by  Mr.  Gould  as  above. 
They  are,  moreover,  identical  with  others  that  we  have  seen  from 
Western  South  America,  of  which  very  fine  specimens  are  in  Lieut. 
Oillis's  collection,  made  in  Chili,  now  in  the  National  Museum. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale,  this  bird  was  found  in  all  the  Hawaiian 
Islands,  visited  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition,  and  like  its  rela- 
tive of  North  America,  inhabited  "grassy  or  reedy  plains  or  marshes, 
where  there  are  but  few  trees." 

The  name  given  by  Bloxham,  as  above,  applies  about  as  well  to 
this  species,  as  any  other,  but  is  of  no  value  nor  authority ;  his  descrip- 
tion being  so  short  and  unsatisfactory  as  to  be  entirely  useless  in  the 
recognition  of  the  intended  species.  Specimens  in  the  collection  are 
in  good  plumage  and  preservation. 


2.  Brachtotus  Cassinii,  Brewer. — The  Short-eared  Owl. 
The  Marsh  Owl. 

Brachyotut  Caitinii,  BaiWER,  Proo.  Nat.  Hist.  Soo.  Boston,  Vr,  p.  321  (1856). 
Sirix  hrachyotoi,  Fobsteb,  Philos.  Trans.  London,  LXII,  p.  384  (1772), 

Wilson,  Am.  Om.  IV,  Plate  XXXIII,  fig.  3 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCCX ;  Oct.  ed.  I,  Plate  XXXVIII. 


According  to  Mr.  Peale,  "  not  uncommon  in  the  prairies  of  Oregon 
and  California."  Numerous  specimens  from  the  same  countries  are  in 
the  collections  made  by  the  Pacific  Railroad  Surveying  and  Exploring 
Expeditions.  This  species  being  of  frequent  occurrence,  also,  on  the 
Atlantic  seaboard,  may  very  safely  be  stated  to  inhabit  the  whole  of 
North  America  to  the  confines  of  the  Arctic  Zone,  though  rare  in  the 
Southern  States. 

Our  esteemed  friend,  Dr.  Brewer,  who  has  done  us  the  honor  of 
applying  our  name  to  this  bird,  has  very  fully  and  correctly  pointed 
out  its  specific  characters  in  his  description  above  cited,  and  in  his 
very  valuable  work.  North  American  Oology,  Part  I,  p.  68  (in  Smith- 
sonian Contributions).     It  difiers  from  the  European  and  Asiatic  spe- 


RAPTORES. 


109 


oies  in  being  constantly  larger  and  darker  colored,  and  we  fully  coin- 
cide in  the  propriety  of  its  being  regarded  as  a  distinct  species.  The 
conclusions,  however,  of  Dr.  Brewer,  we  beg  leave  to  say,  are  always 
entitled  to  the  greatest  consideration  and  respect  from  his  masterly 
ability  and  long  experience  as  an  ornithologist,  and  exceeding  careful- 
ness of  observation. 

The  Short-eared  Owl  is  not  uncommon  in  the  Northern  and  Middle 
States  in  the  winter  season,  and  is  almost  exclusively  to  be  found  in 
the  vicinity  of  marshes  or  swamps,  or  near  streams  of  water.  It  raises 
its  young  principally  in  the  far  North,  though  occasionally  a  few  re- 
main during  the  summer  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States. 


5.  Oenub  ATHrNE,  Bok,  lais,  1822,  p.  549. 
1.  Athene  htpug(ea  {Bmap.). — The  Burrowing  Owl. 

Strix  hypvgcea,  BoNAP.  Am.  I,  p.  72  (1825). 

Athene  $ociali$,  Qaubel,  Proo.  Acad.  Pbilad.  Ill,  p.  47  (1846). 

Bonap.  Am.  Orn.  I,  Plate  VII,  fig.  2;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCCXXXII,  fig.  1 ;  Oot.  ed.  I,  Plate  XXXI. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  are  from  the  Columbia  River,  above  the 
mouth  of  the  Wallawalla.  According  to  Mr.  Peale,  this  bird  "was 
not  found  on  the  coast  (of  the  Pacific),  nor  in  that  country  lying  be- 
tween the  Columbia  River  and  California."  He  states,  too)  respecting 
this  and  the  succeeding  species:  "This  entire  sub-genus,  as  far  as 
opportunities  were  offered  to  observe  the  species  during  the  progress 
of  the  Expedition,  was  found  to  be  diurnal,  and  their  food  to  consist 
almost  entirely  of  insects  and  lizards,  but  principally  the  former. 
They  all  avoid  the  forests,  and  live  entirely  in  the  pampas  or  prairies." 


2.  Athene  cunicularia  {Molina). — The  South  American 
Burrowing  Owl. 


Strix  cunicularia,  Moi..  Sagg.  Stor.  Nat.  Chili  (1782). 
Strix  cali/omica,  AuD.  B.  of  Am.  PL  CCCCXXXII,  fig.  .2  (name  on  plato). 

28 


IIQ  ORNITHOLOGY. 

Athene  patagonica,  Pealk,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  78  (1848).* 

This  is  the  largest  of  the  species  of  buri' )\ving  owls  recognized  by 
naturalists,  and  is  well  represented  in  the  plate  of  Mr.  Audubon's 
work,  cited  above,  which  was  prepared  from  specimens  supposed  to  be 
North  American,  but  were  really  from  Chili.  They  belonged  to  the 
collection  made  by  the  late  John  K.  Townsend,  M.D. 

All  of  the  above  species  very  considerably  resemble  each  other,  but 
appear  to  us  to  present  constant  specific  characteristics  as  described  by 
the  distinguislied  authors  whom  we  have  cited. 

In  relation  to  the  specie.^  now  before  us,  Mr.  Peale's  obsjtA'vations 
are  as  follows : 

"  Should  the  traveller,  who  has  crot-sed  the  prairies  of  the  Arkansas 
and  Missouri  Rivers,  ever  vi.sit  Patagonia,  he  will  find  in  that  country 
many  points  of  striking  analogy  to  the  interior  of  North  America. 

'•  The  face  of  the  country  {pampas  being  prairies  under  a  different 
name),  bears  a  strong  resemblance,  cavies  take  the  place  of  hares,  larks 
{iSturmts  militaris) ,  like  those  of  the  North,  are  seen,  having  red  instead 
of  yellow  breasts  [Sturmif  ludovirianiis),  but  alike  in  vo/'ce  and  habits. 
Every  now  and  then,  too,  he  will  meet  with  subterranean  villages,  or 
little  societies  of  armadilloes  [Dasypns  minutus,  Desm.),  whose  social 
habits  and  abodes  are  like  those  ;f  the  prairie  dog  (Ardomi/s  ludovi- 
ciainis,  Ord.),  a  species  of  marmot  of  the  Northern  Hemisphere. 

'•  In  these  societies  of  Armadilloes,  there  may  be  heard  a  kind  of 
barking,  like  that  produced  by  some  of  the  German  toy  dogs;  the 
same  sound  which  has  given  to  our  marmot  the  name  of  'prairie  dog,' 

*  "  Above  brown,  spotted  with  tawny ;  beneath  pale  buff,  with  brown  bars  crossing 
the  breast  and  flanks;  lesser  wing-coverts,  umber-brown,  with  two  buff-colored  spots  on 
the  outer,  and  one  on  the  inner  web ;  third  (|uill  longest,  first  and  fifth  equal;  outer  webs 
brown,  crossed  by  five  fulvous  bands ;  inner  webs  pale  buff,  escupt  towards  the  extre- 
mities, where  they  arc  brown  ;  a  black  ba  '  crosses  at  the  bases  of  the  quills,  otherwise 
the  whole  wing  beneath  is  of  yellowish-white;  tail,  excepting  the  two  outer  feathers, 
brown,  with  a  whitish  tip  and  five  fulvous  bars;  outer  feathers  yellowi!<h-white,  with 
three  brown  spots  on  the  outer  web,  and  one  on  the  inner  web;  beneath  yellowish-white, 
tiie  bars  obscure ;  bill  and  feet,  greenish-yellow;  irides  yellow. 

"Total  length,  ten  and  seven-tenths  inches;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  seven  and 
nine-tenths  inches ;  tail,  three  and  u  half  inches ;  tarsi,  one  and  three-quarters  of  an  inch  ; 
middle  toe,  including  the  nail,  one  and  two-tenths  of  an  inch ;  nail,  half  an  inch  ;  hind 
toe,  including  the  nail,  eight-tenths  of  an  inch ;  nail,  four-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  bill,  seveu- 
tcnths  of  an  inch." 


m¥ 


i 


iH 


R  A  P  T  0  U  E  8. 


Ill 


by  the  French  voyagers.  This  cry,  in  Patagonia,  was  found  to  pro- 
ceed from  an  owl,  so  like  that  of  the  prairies  of  North  America,  that 
we  fear  it  is  not  possible  to  convince  all  our  readers  that  they  are 
really  distinct. 

"  The  Patagonian  owl  seldom  or  never  alights  on  trces.  It  is  only 
found  in  the  pampas,  and  there  inhabits  the  holes  of  the  armadillo. 
Its  food  was  found,  by  dissection  of  the  birds  we  shot,  to  be  insects 
and  lizards,  both  of  which  are  abundant  in  that  region.  The  most 
perfect  harmony  seemed  to  exist  between  the  owls  and  the  armadilloes, 
whose  deserted  holes  only,  we  suppose,  the  former  take  possession  of, 
and  there  build  their  nests  and  raise  their  broods  undisturbed.  They 
are  found  abroad  during  the  day  in  the  open  pampas,  under  an  un- 
clouded sun,  and  when,  in  the  evening,  we  were  watching  for  their 
quadruped  companions,  which  are  much  esteemed  for  the  table,  we 
found  that  the  owls  had  all  retired  to  their  holes.  We  conclude, 
therefore,  that  this  species  is  strictly  diurnal." 


3.  Athene  grallaria  (TemmincJc). 


Strix  ijrallaria,  Temm.  PI.  Col.  II,  p.  (liv.  25,  about  1823). 

Teram.  PL  Col.  II,  Plate  CXLVI. 


A  distinct  species  of  Burrowing  Owl,  which,  like  that  immediately 
preceding,  inhabits  the  countries  of  Western  South  Ame'ricp.  Mr. 
Peale  saj^s  of  this  bird  : 

"  Tiiese  birds  were  seen  frequently  in  the  vicinity  of  Callao,  Peru, 
and,  we  think,  offer  sufficient  specific  differences  from  those  obtained 
in  Patagonia,  in  having  shorter  tails,  longer  tarsi,  white  spotted 
plumage,  and  in  having  the  outer  tail-feathers  brown,  with  bars  of 
pale  tuwny,  instead  of  white  with  brown  bars.  In  all  cases  where  we 
observed  them,  it  appeared  that  they  excavated  their  own  holes,  which 
were,  in  almost  every  instance,  in  the  sides  of  mounds  formed  by  the 
crumbling  remains  of  the  ancient  Inca  temples,  or  dwellings.  Around 
the  entrances,  were  seen  numerous  fragments  of  GryJVi  and  coleopte- 
rous insects,  and  in  the  stomachs  of  those  killed,  were  found  similar 
fragments,  but  none  of  birds  or  mice." 


^'J 


112 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Dr.  Pickering  mentions  that  a  species  of  Burrowing  Owl,  probably 
the  present  bird,  is  found  in  the  Cordilleras,  and  that  he  was  informed 
that  it  takes  possession  of  abandoned  excavations,  made  by  the  miners, 
and  even,  occasionally,  of  mines,  when  deserted. 


4.  Athene  nova  zealandi^  (Gmelin). — The  New  Zealand  Owl. 

Stn'x  nova  zehiuUee,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  296  (1788). 

Strixfulva,  Forster,  Disc.  An.  p.  71  (1844). 

NoQtua  venatlca,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  75  (1848).* 


Voy.  Astrolabe,  Ois.  Plate  II,  Fig.  2. 


Of  this  handsome  little  species,  which  appears  to  be  peculiar  to  the 
Island  of  New  Zealand,  we  find  several  notices  by  the  naturalists  of 
the  Expedition.     Mr.  Peale  alludes  to  this  bird,  as  follows: 

"  It  is  common  at  the  Bay  of  Islands,  New  Zealand,  and  its  hoot 
may  be  heard  almost  nightly.  In  the  day  it  seeks  the  deep  recesses 
in  the  hills,  and  sits  quietly  ensconced  in  the  thick  foliage,  waiting 
the  return  of  night,  unless  disturbed  by  the  *  Hi-waka-waka'  {Musci- 
capa  flahelUftra,  Gm.),  a  beautiful  fan-tailed  fly-catcher,  which  is  very 

*  "  Above,  umber-brown ;  front,  between  the  eyes,  white ;  cheeks  brown ;  feathers  of  the 
neck  bimaculate,  the  spots  pale  ochre ;  dorsal  feathers  with  four  white  spots,  none  of 
them  visible  without  raising  the  feathers;  throat,  breast,  belly,  and  vent,  pale  buff,  each 
feather  having  a  brown  line  along  the  middle,  and  those  of  the  belly  having,  in  addition, 
two  white  spots  near  their  extremities;  under  tail-coverts  tawny,  with  an  umber-spot 
near  the  «nd  of  each  feather;  all  the  plumage  dark  lead-colored  at  the  base,  tarsi  covered 
with  tawny  rufous  plumage,  banded  with  umber ;  toes  yellow,  covered  with  dark  brown 
bristles;  claws  dark  brown,  small, and  very  sharp;  bill  olive  green;  iridcs  yellow;  wings 
dark  "brown,  with  white  bands  at  the  base  of  the  quills,  the  bands  becoming  obscure 
towards  their  extremities;  fourth  quill  longest,  shafts  dark  brown ;  under  coverts  buff, 
mottled  with  brown;  tail,  consisting  of  twelve  feathers,  rounded  and  having  six  narrow 
white  bars  on  the  inner  webs,  which  are  scarcely  visible  on  the  upper  surface,  but  con- 
spicuous beneath  and  near  the  base,  gradually  becoming  obscure  towards  the  extremity. 

"Total  length,  eleven  and  eight-tenths  inches;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  seven  and 
nine-tenths  inches;  tail,  four  and  nine-tenths  inches;  tarsi,  one  and  three-twentieths  of 
an  inch  ;  middle  toe,  including  the  nail,  one  and  seven-t\Kentieths  of  an  inch;  nail,  four- 
tenths  of  an  inch;  hind  toe,  tbn-e-fourths  of  an  inch;  nail,  seven-twentieths  of  an  inch; 
bill,  seven-tenths  of  an  inch.     Female." 


RAPTORES. 


113 


common  and  tame,  but  a  great  annoyer  of  the  day-slumbers  of  this 
little  owl." 

In  Dr.  Pickering's  journal  we  find  mentioned : 

"  The  note  of  this  little  species  is  somewhat  like  that  of  the  yellow- 
billed  cuckoo  of  the  United  States,  but  louder.  It  came  occasionally 
about  the  houses  in  the  evening,  perching  on  the  fences  and  outhouses. 
It  was  well  known  to  the  natives,  and  a  specimen  shot  by  one  of  our 
party,  in  the  presence  of  some  native  men,  was  immediately  begged 
for  eating." 

This  Owl,  though  a  well-marked  and  peculiar  species,  shows  affini- 
ties to  that  group  of  the  genus  Athene  inhabiting  the  continent  of  Asia 
and  its  islands.     It  is  not  so  intimately  allied  to  those  of  Australia. 


99 


m 


114 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


2.  Order  INSESSORES.— The  Perching  Birds. 


1.  Tribe  CONIROSTRES. 

1.  Genus  CORVUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  155  (1766). 

1.  CoRVUS  CARNivoRUS,  Rirtram. — The  American  Raven. 

Corv,;*  carnivorm,  Bartram,  Trav.  p.  290  (1791). 

Corvus  cacolotl,  Wagler,  Isis,  XXIV,  p.  527  (1881). 

Vorvus  lut/ubris,  Aoasbiz,  Proc.  Nat.  Hist.  Soc.  Boston,  II,  p.  188  (1846). 

Wilson,  Am.  Om.  IX,  Plate  LXXV,  fig.  3 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CI ;  Oct.  ed.  IV,  Plate  CCXXIV. 

Specimens  of  the  raven  from  California  in  the  collection  of  the  Ex- 
pedition present  no  points  of  difference,  so  for  as  we  can  discover, 
from  others  now  before  us,  which  were  obtained  on  the  Atlantic  coast 
of  the  United  States.  The  American  species  is,  moreover,  quite  diffi- 
cult to  be  distinguished  from  that  of  Europe,  if  not  specifically  identi- 
cal, and  the  differences  relied  on  by  naturalists  might,  we  suspect,  be 
detected  on  comparison  of  different  specimens  only  of  the  latter. 

This  very  remarkable  bird  is  numerous  in  Western  America,  and 
was  frequently  noticed  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition,  in  the 
Vincennes  and  Peacock.  According  to  Mr.  Peale,  it  was  observed  "  on 
the  whole  route  of  the  Expedition,  from  the  Columbia  River  to  the  Bay 
of  San  Francisco,  in  California."  Dr.  Pickering  frequently  alludes  to  it 
as  occurring  at  various  localities  in  Oregon  and  Califi)rnia.  He  especially 
mentions  the  interesting  fact,  that  he  often  noticed  this  bird  sailing 
"  much,"  he  says,  "  in  the  manner  of  a  hawk  or  a  vulture." 


2.  CoRVUS  AMERICAN  us,  Auduhon. — The  American  Crow. 


Corvm  ameruaniis,  AuDUUON,  Orn.  Biog.  II,  p.  317  (1834). 


IN8ESS0RES. 


115 


Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  IV,  Plate  XXXV,  fig.  3;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CLVI ;  oct.  ed.  IV,  Plate  CCXXV. 

The  Crow  inhabits  the  entire  extent  of  temperate  North  America, 
and  unlike  the  raven,  does  not  apparently  decrease  in  numbers  on  ac- 
count of  the  partial  destruction  of  the  forest,  or  the  progress  of  the 
inclosure  and  cultivation  of  the  country. 

Specimens  from  Oregon  in  the  collection,  are  precisely  similar  to 
those  of  the  Eastern  States.  Dr.  Pickering  mentions  that  this  bird 
was  observed  in  both  Oregon  and  California. 


3.  CoRVUS  ossiFRAGUS,  Wilson. — The  Fish  Crow. 
Oorvus  om'/raijus,  WiLSON,  Am.  Orn.  V,  p.  27  (1812). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  V,  Plate  XXXVII,  fig.  2 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CXLVI ;  oct.  ed.  IV,  Plate  CCXXVI, 

The  Fish  Crow,  Mr.  Peale  states,  was  observed  by  the  naturalists  of 
the  Expedition,  on  the  Columbia  River,  in  Oregon,  and  in  the  Bay 
of  San  Francisco,  California.  No  specimen  being  in  the  collection, 
nor  having  elsewhere  ever  seen  a  specimen  of  this  species  from 
Western  America,  we  allude  to  it  especially  for  the  purpose  of  express- 
ing a  suspicion  that  the  species  of  the  Western  coast  may  be  the 
smaller  Mexican  and  West  Indian  bird  recently  described  by  Mr. 
Gundlach,  under  the  name  of  Corvus  minutus,  Journal  of  the  Boston 
Natural  History  Society,  VI,  p.  315  (1853). 

The  bird  alluded  to,  appears  to  be  common  in  Mexico,  and  it  may 
not  be  improper  here  to  state,  is  the  same  species  which,  according  to 
the  Prince  Bonaparte,  is  the  true  Corints  spermoleyus,  Vieillot.  (Bona- 
parte, in  Notes  Ornithologiques  sur  les  collections  rapportees  en  1853, 
par  M.  A.  Delattre,  en  California,  &c.  p.  7.) 


4.  CoRVUS  .GORONEOiDES,  Vifjors  and  HorsfieliL- 
Australian  Haven. 


-The 


%''M 


Corvus  coroneoicles,  Vio.  &  IIoRSP.  Trans.  Linn.  Soe.  London,  XV,  p.  2G1  (1826). 


liQ  ORNITHOLOGY. 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  IV,  Plate  XVIII. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  from  Australia. 

Late  writers  have  adopted  for  this  species  the  name  Gorvus  auairalia, 
Gmelin. 

This  is  one  of  the  not  unfrequent  applications  of  names  in  a  manner 
which  is  purely  conventional  and  arbitrary.  Corvue  miatralis  is  a 
name  given  to  the  "  South  Sea  Raven,"  first  described  by  Latham,  in 
Gen.  Syn.  I,  p.  369,  and  afterwards  named  in  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  365,  by 
Gmelin.  It  is  stated  to  have  been  brought  from  the  Friendly  Islands, 
not  Australia.  The  description  is  too  short  to  be  either  satisfactory 
or  conclusive,  but  should  any  species  ever  again  be  found  at  the  islands 
mentioned,  sufficiently  answering  the  description,  it  must  be  regarded 
as  entitled  to  Gmelin's  name,  whether  the  present  bird  or  not. 

Gmelin  uses  the  name  Corvua  aufitmUs  for  two  species  (Nos.  21  and 
45  of  genus  Corvua,  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  365,  and  p.  377).  The  first  name, 
which  is  that  above  alluded  to,  probably  is  applicable  to  a  bird  of  this 
genus,  the  last  is  not. 


5.  CORVDS  RUFICOLLIS,  Lesson. 

CorvuK  rvficollis,  Lesson,  Traite  d'Oru.  I,  p.  329  (1831);  Pucheran,  Kev.  et  Mag. 
Zool.  1853,  p.  548. 

Corvm  hptonifx,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Yinccnncs,  Birds,  p.  105  (1st  ed.  1848).* 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  V.    Female. 

Capite,  collo,  corporeque  toto  suhlits  ru/o-apadiceis,  corpore  supra,  alia  et 

*  "Head,  neck,  breast,  and  abdomen,  snuff-cohred  brown;  the  feathers  of  the  neck 
elongated  and  pointed ;  wings  and  tail  black,  with  purple  reflections,  the  whole  of  the 
plumage  highly  glossed;  claws  on  the  outer  toes  remarkably  short;  wings,  when  closed, 
projecting  beyond  the  tail,  acutely  pointed;  tail  rounded  like  C.  corax;  iridcs  brown; 
bill  and  feet  black.     Female. 

"Total  length,  twenty  inches;  extent  of  wings  forty-four  inches;  wing,  from  the  carpal 
joint,  fifteen  and  six-tenths  inches;  tail,  eight  and  one-tenth  inches;  tarsi,  two  and  nine- 
twentieths  inches;  middle  toe,  including  the  claw,  one  and  nine-tenths  inches;  claw, 
eleven-twentieths  of  an  inch;  hind  toe,  one  and  six-tenths  inches;  claw,  three-fourths  of 
an  inch ;  bill,  two  and  four-tenths  inches ;  to  the  corner  of  the  mouth,  two  and  four- 
tenths  inches." 


INSESSORES. 


117 


Cauda  nigris,  nitidisdvxe  purpiireis,  digitorum  exteriorum  unguibus 
brevibiia,  rostro  (arsiqiie  nigris.     Long.  tot.  19  poUices. 

Form. — Eather  larger  than  Corvus  capensis,  Licht.,  but  resembling  it 
ill  general  form  and  appearance.  Bill  large,  long,  culmen  arched, 
apertures  of  the  nostrils  large,  concealed  by  projecting  bristle-like 
plumes.  Wing  long,  extending  quite  to  the  end  of  the  tail ;  first 
quill  short,  third  and  fourth  longest  and  nearly  equal,  fir  t  four  pri- 
maries deeply  incised  on  their  inner  webs,  narrow  towards  their 
ends,  and  pointed;  tail  somewhat  wedge-shaped,  central  feathers 
about  one  and  a  half  inches  longer  than  the  two  exterior ;  feathers 
of  the  throat  and  neck  before,  elongated,  lanceolate,  acuminated ; 
tarsi  robust,  moderately  long;  toes  moderate,  or  rather  short;  claws 
short. 


Dimensions. — Total  length  of  skin  (female),  about  nineteen  inches; 
wing,  fifteen  inches ;  tail,  eight  and  a  half  inches ;  upper  mandible, 
from  tip  to  angle  of  the  mouth,  two  and  six-tenths  inches ;  width  of 
the  bill  (or  altitude),  seven-tenths  of  an  inch;  tarsus,  two  and  a  half 
inches.     "  Extent  of  wings,  forty-four  inches"  (Peale). 

Colors. — Female.  Head,  and  entire  under  parts  glossy  brown,  or 
snuff-colored;  upper  parts  (except  the  head)  shining  purplish-black, 
most  lustrous  on  the  back  and  coverts  of  the  wing.  Feathers  of  the 
tail,  on  their  upper  surface,  with  a  bluish  lustre  on  their  outer,  and 
greenish  lustre  on  their  inner  webs;  inferior  surfaces  of  the  wings  and 
tail,  brownish-black,  particularly  observable  on  that  of  the  latter. 
Shafts  of  the  quills,  on  their  inferior  surfaces,  brownish-black,  barred 
and  spotted  with  white ;  tips  of  the  feathers,  on  the  flanks  and  under 
tail-coverts,  brownish-black ;  bill  and  tarsi,  black. 


'?Vfl 


Hab. — Island  of  Madeira. 
City. 


Specimen   in  Nat.  Mus. 


Washington 


This  remarkable,  raven-like  crow  is,  undoubtedly,  the  species  de- 
scribed by  Lesson  and  Pucheran,  as  above;  though  it  is  evidently  allied 
to  and  in  some  respects  resembles  Corvus  capcnsis,  Licht.,  of  South 
Africa.  Of  the  latter  species,  wo  have  never  seen  a  specimen  in  which 
the  whole  under  parts  were  brown,  nor  with  the  shafts  of  the  quills 
on  their  under  surfaces,  marked  with  white,  as  in  the  present  bird. 

30 


.^1 


118 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


In  Gorviis  capensis,  the  brown  color  appears  to  be  restricted  to  the 
bead ;  and  that  species  has  not  been  detected,  to  our  knowledge,  in  the 
countries  of  Western  Africa.  We  regard  the  present  as  a  species  which 
probably  extends  its  range  into  the  continent  of  Africa,  though  obtained 
by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  in  the  Island  of  Madeira. 

It  is  stated  by  M.  Pucheran,  as  cited  above,  that  the  specimen  origi- 
nally described  by  M.  Lesson,  which  is  in  the  Paris  Museum,  is  from 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  If  so,  this  species  ranges  over  an  extent  of 
the  western  coast  of  Africa,  quite  unusual  for  any  species.  The 
locality  of  the  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  is  dis- 
tinctly given  by  Mr.  Peale : 

"  The  specimen  from  which  our  description  is  taken,  was  shot  within 
a  short  distance  of  the  City  of  Funchal,  in  the  Island  of  Madeira,  in 
the  month  of  September.  It  was  not  uncommon,  but  we  were  not  so 
fortunate  as  to  obtain  a  male. 

"  The  form  and  general  aspect  of  this  bird  is  more  that  of  the  raven 
than  of  the  crow ;  the  bill  is  arched  like  that  of  the  raven,  and  the  tail 
is  of  the  same  form,  but  the  acutely-pointed  quills  and  short  nails, 
particularly  those  of  the  outer  toes,  present  a  marked  character,  which 
separates  it  from  any  other  which  we  have  had  an  opportunity  to  exa- 
mine." 

This  bird  belongs  strictly  to  the  same  group  of  species  as  Corvns 
cai)emt^,  and  considerably  resembles  it,  but  differs  as  above  stated. 
It  is  possible,  too,  that  Corvus  umbriuiis  is  a  member  of  the  same, 
being  apparently  a  species  of  African  extraction ;  but  though  we  have 
frequently  seen  the  name,  we  have,  of  that  species,  if  such  it  is,  never 
seen  a  description.  We  have  no  idea,  therefore,  on  this  side  of  the 
Atlantic,  of  the  personal  aspect  of  Corvus  umbrimts,  and  the  present 
writer  suspects  that  the  name  is  one  of  many  Museum  appellations, 
which  have  been  put  in  circulation,  like  a  quite  smooth  coin,  with  no 
indication  of  its  value,  or  perhaps  only  for  the  highest  the  passer  can 
get  from  the  more  skilful  metallurgist.  This  description  of  proceeding, 
though  it  may  do  well  enough  to  heighten  the  distinction  and  scien- 
tific consideration  of  not  very  energetic  directors  or  head  or  assistant 
keepers  of  Museums,  yet  materially  retards  the  most  important  object 
for  which  they  and  the  establishments  with  which  they  are  connected 
are  maintained  by  their  governments  or  constituents,  which  is,  the 
diffusion  of  knowledge. 

Our  figure  represents  this  bird  about  two-thirds  of  the  natural  size. 


IN8ES80RE8. 


119 


6.  CoRVUS  HAWAiiENSis,  Peale. 

Uorvus  hawaiiensis,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Vincennes,  Birds,  p.  106  (Isted.  1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  VI. 

Totus  fuliginosua  cinereo  tincitts,  rostro  et  tarsia  nigria.  Long.  tot.  184 
polUces. 

Form. — About  the  size  of  or  slightly  larger  than  Corvua  americanua 
or  Corvua  corone.  Bill  large,  thick,  rather  short ;  wing  rather  long, 
fourth  quill  longest ;  tail  moderate,  rounded. 

Dimensions. — Total  length.  Male  ?  (of  skin),  eighteen  and  three- 
quarter  inches ;  wing,  twelve  inches ;  tail,  eight  inches  ;  bill,  two  and 
one-fourth  inches ;  tarsus,  two  and  a  half  inches.  Female  ?  Total 
length,  seventeen  and  a  half  inches. 

Colors. — Entire  plumage,  fuliginous  brown,  with  a  slight  tinge  of 
cinereous.  Quills,  light  reddish-brown,  with  their  shafts  white  on 
their  under  surfaces ;  all  the  plumage  dark  cinereous  at  the  bases  of 
the  feathers.     Bill  and  legs  black,  the  former  lighter  at  the  tip. 


Hab. — Hawaii,  Sandwich  Islands, 
delphia. 


Specimen  in  Mus.  Acad.  Philor 


Of  this  remarkable  Corvua,  there  are  no  specimens  in  the  collection 
of  the  Expedition,  but  the  description  by  Mr.  Peale  was  drawn  from 
two  specimens  now  in  the  collection  of  the  Academy  of  Natural 
Sciences  of  Philadelphia,  to  which  they  were  presented  by  the  late 
John  K.  Townsend,  M.  D.,  a  distinguished  naturalist  and  traveller, 
who  received  them  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Forbes,  then  attached  to  a  mis- 
sionary station  at  Karakakua  Bay. 

This  species  appears  to  have  been  hitherto  unknown  as  an  inhabi- 
tant of  the  Sandwich  Islands,  and  in  all  probability,  has  not  been 
noticed  by  naturalists  previous  to  its  being  described  by  Mr.  Peale. 
We  consider  it  possible,  however,  that  this  bird  may  be  the  Corvua 


4/;  i'SS 


^m  A 


120 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


aiistralU,  Gmelin,  in  young  plumage,  both  the  specimens  above  de* 
scribed  being  evidently  immature.  This  point  cannot,  in  our  opinion, 
be  determined  either  from  the  specimens  before  us,  or  from  the  here- 
tofore published  statements  of  naturalists  or  voyagers,  and  must  await 
future  more  extended  observation  and  information. 

In  a  short  but  important  article  on  the  Natural  History  of  the  Sand- 
wich Islands,  by  Mr.  A.  Bloxham,  in  an  Appendix  to  the  •*  Voyage  of  H. 
M.  S.  Blonde,  to  the  Sandwich  Islands,"  p.  250  (London,  1826,  quarto), 
the  only  species  of  crow  given  in  the  catalogue  of  birds,  is  "  Corvita 
tropicus,  Linnaeus."  The  description  of  that  species,  by  Dr.  Latham 
(in  his  General  Synopsis  of  Birds,  p.  384),  "from  a  bird  in  the  posses- 
sion of  Sir  Joseph  Banks,"  is  not  applicable  to  the  present,  in  several 
particulars.  Its  total  length  is  given  as  "twelve  inches  and  a  half," 
and  we  have  doubts  as  to  its  having  been  a  true  Corvus  at  all.  We 
may  say  the  same  of  another  Pacific  island  species,  Corvun  pixel ficua, 
Gmelin,  which  is  also  represented  as  a  small  species,  "  length,  ten 
inches  and  a  half." 

In  its  present  plumage,  the  color  of  this  species  is  peculiar,  and  is 
very  remarkable.  We  regard  it  as  a  highly  interesting  addition  to  the 
fauna  of  the  Sandwich  Islands,  and  as  very  probably  a  species  hitherto 
not  described,  though  the  adult  plumage  may  prove  to  be  essentially 
diflerent  from  that  of  the  specimens  now  before  us,  from  the  Museum 
of  the  Philadelphia  Academy.  It  is  the  only  crow  that  we  have  ever 
seen  with  the  plumage  uniformly  tinged  with  a  cinereous  shade  of 
color,  like  that  of  some  species  of  Jays. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale,  the  bird  now  before  us  is  known  to  the 
people  of  the  Sandwich  Islands  by  the  name  of  Ahila,  and  was  ob- 
served in  small  societies,  in  the  island  of  Hawaii.  "  Specimens,"  he 
says, "  were  obtained  a  few  miles  inland  from  the  village  of  Kaawaloa, 
celebrated  as  being  the  spot  where  the  renowned  Captain  Cook  was 
killed,  a  camera  lucida  sketch  of  which  is  introduced  in  our  plate,  as 
a  background  to  the  bird.  Our  specimens,  collected  by  the  Expedi- 
tion, of  the  Alala,  with  many  important  notes  attached,  were  lost  in 
the  wreck  of  the  U.  S.  Ship  Peacock,  but  we  are  happy  to  acknowledge 
our  obligations  to  Dr.  J.  K.  Townsend,  who  h.i.s  kindly  loaned  us  others, 
collected  at  the  same  place." 

This  bird  is  represented  in  our  plate  about  two-thirds  of  the  size  of 
life. 


ms^ 


w 


INSESSORES. 

2.  Genus  PICA,  Brisson,  Orn.  II,  p.  85  (1760). 
1.  Pica  Nuttalli  {Aud.). 
Corvu$  Mualli,  Aud.  Orn.  Blog.  IV,  p.  450  (1838). 


Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCLXII,  fig.  1;  oct.  ed.  IV,  Plate 
CCXXVIII. 

This  species,  if  such  it  is,  appears  to  differ  from  the  previously  known 
American  Magpie  {Pica  Hudsania),  only  in  the  color  of  the  bill,  which 
is  yellow,  instead  of  black.  This  character  is,  however,  permanent, 
and  presents  itself  in  very  young,  as  well  as  in  adult  specimens. 
It  has  frequently  been  brought  from  California,  by  naturalists  who 
have  visited  that  country  since  it  has  been  a  part  of  the  territory 
of  the  United  States,  and  we  have  had  opportunities  of  examining  it 
in  various  stages  of  plumage.  The  most  mature  specimens  that  have 
come  under  our  notice,  were  contained  in  the  fine  collections  made  by 
Dr.  A.  L.  Heermann,  of  Philadelphia,  and  specimens  so  young  as  to 
be  scarcely  feathered  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Philadelphia  Aca- 
demy, sent  from  California  by  the  late  Dr.  William  Gambel.  All  are 
uniformly  ci^aracterized  by  the  yellow  bill;  but  we  have  failed  to 
detect  any  other  peculiar  character  whatever;  and,  moreover,  both 
the  American  species  here  alluded  to  are  only  with  difficulty  to  be 
distinguished  from  the  magpie  of  Europe  {Pica  mdanoleuca,  Vieill.). 
In  fact,  we  much  doubt  whether  any  naturalist  could  select  either 
American  or  European  specimens  from  a  mixed  collection  of  the  two 
American  and  the  European  species,  except  as  directed  by  the  yellow 
bill  in  the  bird  now  before  us. 

In  relation  to  the  present  species,  Mr.  Peale  remarks :  "  This  species 
was  observed  about  the  forty-second  degree  of  north  latitude,  on  the 
south  side  of  the  Shasty  Mountains,  or  the  boundary  between  Oregon 
and  California,  and  from  thence  south,  continued  common  on  the  route 
down  the  Sacramento  River.  It  frequents  the  oak  groves,  which  now 
and  then  diversify  the  prairie  lands  of  that  country;  and  at  the  season 
we  passed,  in  the  month  of  September,  it  was  the  only  magpie  seen ; 
but  it  is  probable  that  the  common  magpie,  which  is  known  to  breed 

31 


M 


122 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


in  the  Rocky  Mountains,  but  n  short  distance  further  east,  may  take 
its  place  in  the  lower  lands  during  the  winter  season,  when  the  yellow- 
billed  is  said  to  remove  further  south." 


8.  Genus  CYANOCORAX,  Boie,  Isis,  1826,  p.  977. 
1.  Ctanocohax  stelleri  {Gmelln). — Steller's  Jay. 

Corvus  stelleri,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  370  (1788). 

Bonap.  Am.  Orn.  II,  Plate  XIII,  fig.  1 ;  Aud  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCLXII,  fig.  2;  oct.  ed.  IV,  Plate  CCXXX. 

This  species  is  represented  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition,  as 
having  been  observed  in  abundance  in  Oregon.  It  appears  to  be 
strictly  a  Western  species,  and  less  an  inhabitant  of  the  mountains 
than  Cijanocorax  macroloplitis,  Baird,  which  is  the  bird  figured  in 
Fauna  Boreali  Americana,  Birds,  Plate  LIV.  The  latter  is  nearly 
related,  but  quite  a  distinct  species. 

Specimens  of  this  species  and  many  others  that  we  have  seen,  are 
remarkably  uniform  in  their  characters,  even  at  various  ages.  Nume- 
rous specimens  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 


4.  Genus  CYANOCITTA,  Strickland,  Ann.  and  Mag.  Nut.  Hint.  XV,  p.  260  (1845). 

1.  Cyanocitta  californica  {Vigors). — The  California  Jay. 

Gnrrulus  cali/ornicus,  Vio.  Zool.  Voy.  Blossom,  Orn.  p.  21  (1839). 

Voy.  Blossom,  Orn.  Plate  V ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCLXII,  fig. 
3 ;  oct.  ed.  IV,  Plate  CCXXXII. 

This  species,  according  to  Mr.  Peale,  "  was  seen  on  the  Columbia 
River,  and  was  common  in  all  the  country  south,  to  California.  It  is 
most  partial  to  mountainous  districts."  It  is  also  frequently  mentioned 
by  Dr.  Pickering. 


1  N  S  K  8  S  0  R  E  S. 


1^ 


6.  Genub  PEUISOREIjS,  Bonaparte,  Sugg.  Nat.  p.  48  (1831). 

1.  Perisoreus  canadensis  (2iiw».). — The  Canada  Jay. 

Corvui  canadenn'i,  LiNN.  Sjst.  Nat.  I,  p.  158  (1766). 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  630 ;  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  Ill,  Plate  XXI,  fig.  1 ;  Aud. 
B.  of  Am.  Plate  CVII ;  oct.  ed.  IV,  Plate  CCXXXIV. 

Of  frequent  occurrence,  according  to  Dr.  Pickering,  at  Puget's  Sound, 
Oregon,  in  the  month  of  June. 


0.  Genus  PICICORVUS,  Bonap.  Cons.  Av.  p.  384  (1850). 

1.  PicicoRVUS  coLUMBiANUS  {Wllsoii). — Clarke's  Crow. 

Corvut  columbianus,  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  Ill,  p.  29  (1811). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  Ill,  Plate  XX,  fig.  2  ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCLXII ;  Oct.  ed.  IV,  PJnir  CCXXXV. 

Noticed  at  Puget's  Sound,  Oregon,  and  mentioned  in  Dr.  Pickering's 
journal,  as  follows : 

"  This  bird  is  common  in  the  pine  groves,  and  is  almost  invariably 
to  be  seen  in  scattered  companies,  rather  noi.sy,  uttering  a  harsh  cry. 
It  feeds  on  the  seeds  of  the  pines,  and  in  its  manners  and  general 
habits,  reminds  me  much  of  the  Cradlci,  of  Australia.  WiLson's  figure 
represents  this  bird  too  short.  It  has,  in  fact,  the  form  of  a  jay,  the 
bill  being  more  prolonged,  more  regularly  conical,  and  but  slightly 
curved.     The  tongue  ends  in  two  narrow  lambta:" 

This  bird,  and  the  curious  Gymnokitta,  discovered  in  Western  North 
America  by  the  Prince  Maximilian,  of  Wied,  a  distinguished  natural- 
ist, are  evidently  the  representatives  in  North  America  of  aberrant 
groups  of  the  extensive  family  of  jays.  The  former  bird  is  now  fre- 
quently brought  in  collectinr«,  though  the  latter  quite  rarely,  and  is 
little  known  to  naturalists.     It  is  figured,  and  all  the  information  re- 


'H^fflj 


m 


.  '.y-^ 


124 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


lating  to  't,  that,  we  could  obtain,  is  given  in  our  Birds  of  California 
and  Texas,  I,  p.  ICS,  Plate  XXVIII. 


7.  Genus  CALORNIS,  G.  R.  Gray,  List  Gen.  Birds,  p.  53  (1841). 


1.  Calornis  corvina  {Kittlitz). 


\ 


Lamprotornia  corvina,  KiTTLiTB,  Mom.  Acad.  St.  Petersburg,  1833,  p.  7. 

Lariui pacificui,  Gm.  Sjst.  Nat.  I,  p.  306  (1788)  ? 

Lamprotornia atrifmca,V&iiLR,7i0o\.\].  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Isted.  Birds,  p.  109  (1848).* 

Mera.  Acad.  St.  Petersburg,  1833,  Plate  IX. 

Bill  long,  very  strong ;  culmen  curved  gradually  from  the  base ; 
plumage  of  the  head,  neck,  and  breast,  scale-Hke  and  pointed ;  tarsi 
moderate ;  toes  and  claws  strong,  the  latter  fully  curved  ;  wings  and 
tail  long.  Entire  plumage  black,  with  green  and  purple  metallic 
lustre,  especially  on  the  head,  neck,  and  breast.  Primaries  edged 
exteriorly  with  reddish-brown ;  under  surface  of  the  tail,  with  a  tinge 
of  the  same  color.     Bill  black;  legs  paler  j  irides  reddish-brown. 

Dlmensions. — Total  length  (of  skin,  sex  unknown),  ten  and  a  half 
inches ;  wing,  six  inches  ;  tail,  four  inches ;  bill  .'rom  the  corner  of  the 
mouth,  one  and  one-fourth  imhes;  tarsus,  about  one  and  one-fourth 
inches ;  extent  of  wings,  seventeen  and  a  half  inches. 


Hab. — Samoan  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington  City. 


*  "  Head  and  neck,  dark  purple  or  black,  with  metallic  reflections ;  wings,  tal  ,  md 
body,  umber-brown,  darkest  in  front,  and  running  into  thj  dark  color  of  the  neck ;  outer 
margins  of  the  primaries  ferruginous-brown ;  tail  rounued,  the  feathers  pointed ;  bill 
strong,  black ;  legs  reddish-brown  ;  irides,  reddish-brown. 

"  Total  length,  ten  and  three-quarter  inches ;  extent  of  wings,  seventeen  and  u  half 
inches ;  wing  from  the  carpal  joint,  six  and  one-tenth  inches ;  tuil,  four  and  ore-tenth 
inches)  tarsi,  one  and  one-fourth  of  an  inch;  middle  tor,  including  the  claw,  one  and  a 
half  inches  ;  claw,  nine-twentieths  of  an  inch ;  hind  toe,  one  and  three-twentieths  of  an 
inch  ;  claw,  half  an  inch ;  bill,  one  and  one-tenth  of  an  inch ;  to  the  angle  of  the  moulL, 
one  and  tbiee-tenths  of  an  inch." 


INSESSORES. 


125 


Both  of  the  genera  Aplonis  and  Lamprotornis,  may  be  considered  as 
uniting  their  characters  in  this  remarkable  type,  and  as  though  these 
were  not  sufficient,  its  lengthened  and  robust  bill  shows  a  strong 
analogy  to  the  crows. 

Numerous  specimens  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  all  of 
which  are  from  the  Samoan  or  Navigator  Islands. 

Of  this  t  ird,  Mr.  Peale  remarks : 

"  It  inhabits  the  Samoan  Islands,  is  very  active  and  noisy,  its  notes 
being  scarcely  entitled  to  the  name  of  song.  The  female  is  somewhat 
less  than  ihe  male,  and  has  less  metallic  lustre  on  the  head  and  neck, 
but  in  other  respects  is  precisely  similar." 

Dr.  Pickering  also  notices  this  bird  as  having  been  observed  in  the 
forests  of  the  islands  of  Tutuilla  and  Upolu,  "  keeping  amongst  the 
lower  branches  of  the  trees,  not  shy,  and  uttering  a  very  harsh  note, 
at  the  same  time  constantly  moving  its  tail  in  the  gyrating  manner  of 
some  species  of  fly-catchers." 

It  appe.,,o  to  us  quite  probable,  that  this  curious  bird  is  the  true 
Lanius  inicificns,  Gmelin,  as  above  cited. 


8.  Genls  aplonis,  Gouhl,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  183G,  p.  73. 


1.  Aplonis  marginata  {Gould). 


Aphnis  marginata,  Gour-D,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1836,  p.  73. 
Lariprotornis/usca,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  110  (1st  ed.  1848)  * 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  VII,  fig.  1. 

Upper  mandible  curved,  and  with  a  sharp  point;  wings  moderate; 

*  "  Crown,  auriculars,  back,  and  tail,  sepia-brown,  darkest  on  the  head,  whore  the 
feathers  arc  pointed,  and  have  a  purple  metallic  lustre ;  primary  quills  umber ;  -ocon- 
darics  paler,  and  margined  with  white ;  throat,  under  tail  and  under  wing-coverts  pale 
tawny;  breast  and  abdomen  'drab,'  the  feathers  iiaving  white  shafts,  and  a  pale  lino 
down  the  centre;  iridcs  orange;  bill  and  feet  dusky  red. 

"Total  length,  seven  and  a  half  inches;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  four  and  throo- 
tcnths  inches;  tail  two  and  a  half  incho.^ ;  tarsi,  one  and  one-twentiet'-  inches;  middle 
toe,  including  the  claw,  one  inch;  claw  tiirce-tentlis  of  an  inch  ;  hind  tee,  eight-tenths 
of  an  inch;  claw,  three-tenths  of  an  inch;  bill,  f.  ven-tcnths  of  an  inch;  to  cho  angle  of 
the  mouth,  Ci<c  inch." 

32 


'H4 


m 


126 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


tail  rather  short ;  plumage  of  the  head  having  a  scale-like  appearance. 
Entire  upper  parts  sepia-brown,  darker  and  with  a  purplish  metallic 
lustre  on  the  head,  greater  wing-coverts,  and  primaries;  secondiiries 
narrowly  edged  with  white  on  their  external  webs;  under  wing- 
coverts  white.  Under  parts  pale  cinereous,  with  a  tinge  of  yellowish ; 
many  feathers,  especially  on  the  breast,  having  each  a  longitudinal 
central  line  of  white.  Under  tail-coverts  with  paler  margins.  Iris 
orange;  bill  and  feet  dusky  reddish.     Sexes  alike. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  seven  and  three-fourths 
inches;  wing,  four  and  three-eighths  inches ;  tail  two  and  three-eighths 
inches. 

Hab. — Tonga  and  Feejee  Islands,  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Was\- 
ingtou  City. 

The  specimens  of  this  bird,  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  hpve 
not  to  us  the  apviearance  of  being  mature.  They  do  not  correspond, 
in  all  respects,  with  Mr.  Gould's  description  above  cited,  but  sufficiently 
to  leave  no  doubt  as  to  their  identity  with  his  species. 

Mr.  Peale  remarks:  "This  bird  is  no',  uncommon  at  t)ie  Tonga  and 
Feejee  Islands;  its  habits  are  r  ich  like  those  of  a  thrush;  it  is  quite 
musical,  singing  sweetly  in  the  bread-fruit  trees,  and  other  places  in 
the  vicinity  of  cultivati.0  grounds. 

"The  females  have  less  metallic  lustre  on  the  feathers  of  the  head 
and  neck,  but  otherwise  cannot  be  distinguished  from  the  males." 

The  figure  in  our  Atlas  is  of  the  natural  size,  and  represents  a  spe- 
cimen labelled  as  a  male. 


ft) 


2.  Aplonis  bkevirostris  [R'lik). 

Lnmprotomis  hreviroslris,  1'eale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Kxp.  liirds,  p.  Ill  (1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  VII,  fig.  2.     Adult? 

A.  inarf/t'natam  refert  ftcl  minor,  rnntnxiKC  h'crioi'r. 
Siipni  /mtxi  nitore  purpurea.     Suhtim  cincrta  lincuH  Iongitu(Un(tfiI>ua 
iilhis,  irklilnie  aurantm,  rostra  el  pedibus  miturate  cornels.     Long,  tot. 


«k. 


INSESSORES. 


12^7 


Much  resembling  the  preceding  {A.  marginata)  but  smaller,  and  with 
the  bill  shorter ;  plumage  of  the  head  above  equally  scale-like,  but 
narrower  and  more  poiiited.  Wings  rather  long;  tail  short  and 
even.  Entire  plumage  above,  sepia-brown,  very  dark,  and  having 
a  purplish  metallic  lustre  on  the  head,  greater  wing-coverts,  and 
primaries.  Secondaries  narrowly  edged  with  white  on  their  outer 
webs.  Under  parts  brownish  cinereous,  tinged  with  yellowish, 
nearly  every  feather  having  a  longitudinal  central  line  of  white. 
Iris  bright  orange ;  bill  and  feet  reddish  horn-color. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  six  and  three-fourths 
inches ;  wing  four  and  one-fourth  inches ;  tail  two  and  a  half  inches. 
"  Extent  of  wings  twelve  and  a  half  inches"  (Peale) . 

Hab. — Samoan  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington  City. 

This  species  is  nearly  related  to  the  preceding,  and  only  differs  mate- 
rially in  size.  It  is  another  of  the  instances  of  the  near  relationship 
of  species,  which  appear  to  be  peculiar  to  different  islands. 

The  specimens  in  the  collection,  like  those  of  the  preceding,  have 
not  to  us  the  appearance  of  maturity. 

This  bird  inhabits  the  Samoan  Islands,  and,  according  to  Mr.  Peale, 
is  possessed  of  considerable  musical  powers ;  out  we  regret  to  say,  that 
we  find  no  other  memoranda,  by  either  of  the  naturalists  of  the  Expe- 
dition, relating  to  its  history  or  habits. 


9.  Genus  AGELAIUS,  Vieill.  Aualjse,  p.  33  (181G). 


1.  Agelaius  gubernator  (Watjler). 

Pmrocolim  gubernator,  Waqler,  Isis,  1832,  p.  281. 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCCXX,  fig.  1 ;  oct.  ed.  IV,  Plate  CCXV. 

This  handsome  species  appears  to  be  peculiar  to  Western  North 
America,  and  fine  specimens  of  adult  and  of  young  birds  are  in  the 
collection  of  the  Expedition.     According  to  Mr.  Peale,  this  species 


n 
'I 

I)   '!' 


128 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


was  observed  in  small  parties  about  the  middle  of  July,  near  the  mouth 
of  the  Columbia  River,  and  in  large  flocks,  in  the  succeeding  October, 
in  California. 


i 


2.  Agelaics  tricolor  {Audubon). — The  Western  Red-wing. 

/c^cr us  <rico?or,  Audubon,  Orn.  Biog.  V,  p.  1  (1839). 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCLXXXVIII,  fig.  1 ;  oct.  ed.  IV,  Plate 
CCXIV. 

Specimen    o*"  this  species  appear  to  have  been  obtained  in  company 
with  the  prc'C  and  are  now  in  the  collection.     According  to  Dr. 

Heermann,  an  lii  ;fatigable  naturalist,  who  has  twice  visited  California, 
this  bird,  the  preceding,  and  Ayelalm  ximfhoce^Jtahis,  associate  together 
in  large  flocks  during  the  fall  season.  (Jour.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Philad. 
II,  p.  268,  Quarto.) 


"n 


10.  Genus  SCOLECOPHAGUS,  Saains.  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  II,  p.  491  (1831). 
1.  ScoLECOPUAGUS  MEXicANUS,  Sivaiiison. — The  Western  Grakle. 

Scolecophagw  mext'canus,  SwAlNSON,  Cab.  Cy.  Birds,  II,  p.  302  (1838). 
Qutscalut  Brcwerii,  Auuubon,  Birds  of  Am.  Oct,  ed.  VII,  p.  345  (1844). 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  oct.  ed.  VII,  Plate  CCCCXCII. 

This  species,  now  well  known  as  a  bird  of  California,  was  observed 
by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  in  Oregon,  and  appears  to  range 
throughout  the  entire  extent  of  Western  North  America.  It  is  abun- 
dant in  California. 

Mr.  Peale's  remarks  on  this  species  are  as  follows  : 
"Specimens  of  this  bird  were  obtained  at  Pugot's  Sound,  in  Oregon, 
during  the  spring  and  early  summer  months  ;  they  were  in  perfect  and 
brilliant  plumage.  In  the  month  of  October,  tliey  were  again  seer, 
near  the  Mission  of  St.  Joseph,  in  California,  in  vast  flocks ;  the  greater 
part  had  then  rusty-looking  plumage,  and  were  very  like  the  Rusty 


INSESSORES. 


129 


GrakleB  of  the  Eastern  coast,  from  which  it  was  scarcely  possible  to 
distinguish  them." 


11.  Genus  PSARACOLIUS,  Waykr,  Syst.  Av.  p.  (1827). 
1.  PsARAcoLius  CURAEUS  {MoUno). — The  Chilian  Grakle. 

Turdus  curaeus,  MoLiNA,  Sagg.  Hist.  Nat.  Chili  (1782),  2d  edition,  p.  211  (1810). 
Sturnus  alerrimm,  KiTTLiTZ,  Mem.  Acad.  St.  Petersburg,  II,  p.  4G7  (1834). 
Leiestes  niger,  SwAiNSON,  Cab.  Cy.  Birds,  II,  p.  304  (1838). 

Mem.  Acad.  St.  Petersburg,  II,  Plate  II;  Gilliss,  Ast.  Exp.  Chili, 
Birds,  Plate  XV. 

An  abundant  species  in  the  western  countries  of  South  America. 

Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  This  species  was  seen  in  vast  flocks,  from  one  of  which  half  a 
dozen  or  more  were  killed  at  a  shot,  ut  Orange  Bay,  Tierra  del 
Fuego,  in  the  month  of  February.  The  sexes  could  not  be  distinguished 
except  by  dissection,  both  being  of  the  same  uniform  black  color;  they 
were  then  moulting  and  filled  with  *  pin'  feathers ;  the  plumage  was 
consequently  not  so  glossy  nor  firm  as  in  specimens  killed  near  Val- 
paraiso, in  Chili,  three  months  afterwards,  although  we  have  no  doubt 
of  their  identity. 

"  The  iridesof  this  species  being  dark  brown,  gives  the  bird  a  dif- 
ferent appearance  from  the  Grakles  of  North  America,  which  generally 
have  yellow  irides.     They  are  most  frequently  seen  on  the  ground." 


12.  Gknus  STUllNELLA,  Vieill.  Anal.  p.  34  (1816). 


1.  Sturnella  neglecta,  Audubon. — The  Western  Meadow  Lark. 
Sturnella  mylecta,  AuD.  B.  of  Am.  oct.  cd.  VII,  p.  339  (1844). 
And.  B.  of  Am. ;  oct.  ed.  VII,  Plate  CCCCLXXXIX. 

33 


^1 


130 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


"Quite  common,"  Mr.  Poale  states,  "in  all  favorable  localities 
throughout  Oregon,  but  particularly  about  the  Columbia  and  the 
Willamette  Rivers." 

This  species  is  frequently  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering,  "  It  is  an 
inhabitant,"  he  says,  "  of  all  open  districts,  not  showing  any  especial 
partiality  for  meadows  or  damp  places ;  which,"  he  remarks  very 
justly,  "is  also  the  case  with  its  near  relative  of  the  eastern  coast, 
notwithstanding  that  the  latter  is  called  the  meadow  lark."  Noticed 
by  Dr.  Pickering  as  occurring  both  in  Oregon  and  in  California,  and  at 
various  localities  as  very  abundant. 


2.  Sturnella  militaris  {Lliin.). 

Stiirnus  militaris,  Linn.  Mantiss.  1771,  p.  527. 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  113;  Gilliss,  Astr.  Exp.  Chili,  Birds,  Plate  XVI,  fig,  2. 

Several  distinct,  though  similar  species  have  been  confounded  under 
this  name  by  naturalists,  two  of  which  are  in  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition.  Both  of  these,  and  perhaps  a  third,  are  alluded  to  by 
Mr.  Peale,  in  the  following  observations : 

"  This  is  the  analogue  of  the  Meadow-lark  {Sturnella  ludoviciana), 
of  North  Americ»»  Its  manners,  voice,  and  markings  of  the  pi  r mage, 
bear  a  general  resemblance  to  it,  the  colors  making  the  principal  dif- 
ference ;  the  red  of  the  southern  bird  being  on  those  parts  which  are 
yellow  in  the  northern, 

"  We  surmise,  however,  that  two  species  will  be  found,  when  but 
one  is  now  supposed  to  exist.  They  are  found  from  the  southern  parts 
of  Brazil,  to  the  Straits  of  Magellan,  on  the  eastern  coast,  and  on  the 
western;  the  farthest  north  that  we  observed  them,  was  in  Chili.  All 
the  specimens  obtained  on  the  eastern  coast,  from  the  south  of  Brazil, 
and  at  the  Rio  Negro,  in  Patagonia,  are  smaller,  have  a  more  slender 
bill,  and  the  tail  more  distinctly  banded,  than  those  obtained  in  Chili. 
The  difference  is  about  as  great  between  those  inhabiting  the  eastern 
and  western  coasts  of  South  America,  as  that  which  has  been  shown 
in  their  analogues,  the  meadow-larks  of  North  America,  which  inha- 
bit the  eastern  and  western  shores  of  that  portion  of  this  continent." 

The  three  species,  designated  by  the  Prince  Bonaparte,  in  Conspectus 


tik. 


INSESSORES. 


131 


Avium  (p.  429),  are,  perhaps,  to  some  extent,  geographical, — as  stated 
by  that  distinguished  author,  and  as  above  intimated  by  Mr.  Peale ; 
but  at  present  their  localities  are  not  accurately  defined. 


3.  Stuknella  B^FiLuvFU,  Bonajmrte. 
Sturnella  Defillippii,  Bonap.  Consp.  Av.  p.  429  (1850). 

Numerous  specimens  of  this  bird  in  the  collection,  are  very  similar 
to  those  of  the  preceding,  but  constantly  present  the  character  of  hav- 
ing the  inferior  coverts  of  the  wings  black,  instead  of  white.  It  appears 
to  be,  in  all  respects,  strictly  congeneric,  and  nearly  allied,  but  with 
this  difference  invariably  existing. 

The  specimens  before  us  are  from  the  western  coast  of  South  Ame- 
rica. ' 


13.  Genus  PASSER,  Brmon,  Orn.  Ill,  p.  72  (1760). 

1.  Passer  jagoensis,  Qould. 

Passer  jagoenih,  CiOULD,  Voy.  IJeagle,  Birds,  p.  95  (1841). 
Frivyilla  hi'upnntulensis,  Temm.  Man.  d'Orn.  I,  p.  353  (1820).  ? 
Passer  salkarius,  ScilLECEL,  Rev.  Crit.  Ois.  d'Eur.  p.  64  (1844),  ? 

Voy.  Beagle,  Birds,  Plate  XXXI. 

Specimens  in  the  collection,  from  the  Cape  de  Verd  Islands.  These, 
and  others  that  we  have  seen,  constantly  present  characters  which, 
though  of  minor  value,  are  probably  sufficient  to  be  regarded  as  spe- 
cific. The  present  is  one  of  several  species  very  nearly  related  to  the 
common  I\tsser  domesticua  of  Europe,  and  which  would  formerly  have 
been  considered  as  local  varieties  only  of  that  species. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  of  this  bird  : 

"  This  species  wijts  found  breeding  on  the  Island  of  St.  Jago,  Cape 
de  Verds,  on  the  sixth  of  October.  It  builds  a  covered  nest  in  the 
form  of  an  oven,  in  horny  Acacias,  from  five  to  ten  feet  above  the 
ground.     Its  song  is  lively  and  sweet." 


'^.§n 


tf-im 


182 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


14.  Genus  ZONOTRIGHIA,  ^STwarMon,  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  II,  p.  493  (1881). 

1.   ZONOTRICHIA   PILE  ATA   {BoddoeH). 

Emlerizapikaia,  BoDD.  Tab.  PI.  Enl.  p.  23  (1788). 
Fringilla  malutina,  LiOHT.  Verz.  p.  25  (1823). 
Tanagra  ruficollii,  Spix.  Av.  Bras.  II,  p.  89  (1825). 
Fringilla  Mortonii,  AuD.  Orn.  Biog.  V,  p.  312  (1839). 

Buflf.  PL  Enl.  CCCLXXXVI,  fig.  2;  Dubois  Orn.  Gal.  Plate  XLII; 
Spix.  Av.  Bras.  Plate  LIII,  fig.  3;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  oct.  ed.  Ill,  Plate 
CXC. 

One  of  the  most  common  birds  of  South  America,  known  to  natu- 
ralists by  a  variety  of  names,  and  described  by  Mr.  Audubon,  in  mis- 
take, as  inhabiting  Western  North  America.  According  to  Mr.  Peale 
it  was  observed  "  first  at  Orange  Bay,  Tierra  del  Fuego,  subsequently 
in  Chili,  near  Valparaiso,  and  also  near  Callao,  in  Peru." 

This  species  is  given  erroneously,  by  Buffon,  as  a  native  of  the  Oapi; 
of  Good  Hope  (PI.  Enl.  V,  p.  106) ;  and  erroneously  also  by  Audubon, 
as  a  bird  of  the  United  States.  The  specimen  described  by  the  latter 
Avas  brought  from  Chili,  by  Dr.  Townsend. 


16.  Genus  PASSERCULUS,  Bmiap.  Comp.  List.  p.  33  (1838). 

1.  Passebculus  alaudinus,  Bonaparte. 
Pauerculut  alaudinvi,  BoNAF.  Comp.  Rend.  1853,  p.  918. 

A  species  which  appears  to  inhabit,  exclusively,  the  countries  of 
Western  North  America,  and  hitherto  regarded  as  identical  with  Psia- 
serculua  savanna,  of  the  Eastern  States,  which  it  resembles  very  inti- 
mately. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale,  this  bird  is  abundant  in  Oregon  and  Cali- 
fornia. 


INSE3S0RES. 


153 


10.  Genus  SPIZ£LLA,  Bonap.  Comp.  List.  p.  83  (1838). 

1.  Spizella  paluda  (Swaineon). — The  Clay-colored  Bunting. 

Frtngilla  pallida,  Sw.  Fauna  Bor.  Am.  Birds,  p.  251  (1831). 
Emberiza  S/iattuckii,  AuD.  B.  of  Am.  oot.  ed.  VII,  p.  347  (1844). 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  oct.  ed.  VII,  Plate  CCCCXCIII. 
Specimens  in  the  collection  are  from  Oregon. 


17.  Genus  STRUTHUS,  Boie,  Isis,  1826,  p.  974. 

1.  Struthus  obegonus  (Townsend). — The  Oregon  Snow  Finch. 
Fringilla  oregona,  TowNS.  Jour.  Acad.  Philada.  VII,  p.  188  (1836). 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCXCVIII;  oct.  ed.  Ill,  Plate  CLXViII. 

Noticed  by  Dr.  Pickering,  as  found  breeding  at  Puget's  Sound,  Ore- 
gon, on  the  fifteenth  of  May. 


18.  Genus  SPERMOPHILA,  Sivains.  Zool.  Jour.  Ill,  p.  34  (J827). 
1.  Spermophila  telasco  [T  •sson). 

Pj/rrhula  telatco,  Less.  Voy.  Coquille,  Zool.  I,  p.  663  (1826). 
Camarhynchus  leucopterus,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  118  (Ist  ed. 
1848).* 

*  "  Male.  Grown,  back,  and  rump,  brown ;  feathers  of  the  back,  darker  colored  in 
the  middle;  wings  and  tail  dark  brown,  or  Mack;  the  tips  or  margins  of  the  tail-feathers, 
secondaries,  and  lesser  wing-coverts,  light  brown ;  a  white  bar  crosses  the  wings  at  the 
base  of  the  quills,  inclftding  all,  except  the  three  first,  primaries;  throat,  breast,  and 
belly,  light  tawny ;  irides  brown ;  legs  sooty ;  bill  yellowish  flesh-color. 

"Total  length,  four  inches;  extent  of  wings,  six  and  seven-eighths  inches;  fro  in  the 
carpal  joint,  two  and  two-tenths  inches ;  tail,  one  and  a  half  inches;  tarsus,  six-tenths  of 

34 


134  ORNITHOLOOY. 

Voy.  Coquille  Ois.  Plate  XVI,  fig.  3. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  were,  according  to  Mr.  Peale,  "  killed 
near  Callao,  Peru,  in  the  early  part  of  the  month  of  July,  while  feed- 
ing on  the  seeds  of  a  species  of  grass.  The  males  have  a  sweet  war- 
bling note." 


19.  Genus  CARPODACUS,  Kaujy.  Nat.  Syat.  p.  IGl  (1829). 
1.  Carpodacus  familiaris,  McCall. 

Carpotlacu*  familiaris,  McCall,  Proc.  Acad.  Philada.  VI,  p.  61  (1852). 
Carpodacm  rhodocolpxis,  Cabanis,  Mus.  Heine,  p.  1C6  (1851).  ? 

Cassin,  B.  of  Cal.  and  Texas,  I,  Plate  XIII. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  are  from  Puget's  Sound,  Oregon. 


20.  Genus  ESTRELDA,  Swaimon,  Zool.  Jour.  Ill,  p.  349  (1827). 

1.   EsTRELDA  ASTRILDA  {Linn.). 

Loxia  astrild.  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  303  (17GG). 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  CLVII,  fig.  2;  Vieill.  Ois.  Chant.  Plate  XII. 

The  only  specimen  of  this  beautiful  little  species,  in  the  coilection, 
is  labelled  as  having  been  obtained  at  the  Island  of  St.  Helena,  to 
which,  however,  it  had  probably  been  taken  as  a  cage-bird.  ^^ 

an  inch;  middle  toe,  including  the  claw,  half  an  inch;  claw,  two-tenths  of  an  inch;  hiid 
toe,  nine-twentieths  of  an  inch;  claw,  one-fourth  of  an  inch;  bill,  seven-twentieths  of  an 
inch. 

"  Female.  Lightei  colored,  and  more  uniformly  brown  above ;  tail  and  wings  more 
fuliginous,  and  not  so  black,  and  having  a  legs  conspicuous  white  bar ;  in  size,  rather  less 
than  the  male." 


INSESSORES. 


186 


21.  Genus  VOLATINIA,  Bonnp.  Consp.  Av.  p.  473  (1850). 

1.   VOLATINIA  JACARINA  {Linn.). 

Tnnaijra  jacarina,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  314  (1706). 

Geonpixa  pcruviensU,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  115  (1848).* 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  VIII,  fig.  3. 

Stated  by  Mr.  Peale  to  have  been  "found  in  the  month  of  July,  in 
bushy  and  rather  sterile  districts  between  Callao  and  Lima,  in  Peru." 


22.  Genus  LOXIA,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  2S0  (1766). 
1.  LoxiA  AMERICANA  [Wilson). — The  American  Crossbill. 

Curvirostra  americana,  WiLS.  Am.  Orn.  IV,  p.  44  (1811). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  IV,  Plate  XXXI,  figs.  1,  2 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am. 
Plate  CXCVII ;  oct.  ed.  Ill,  Plate  CC. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  from  Oregon,  are  precisely  similar  to 
others  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  the  United  States.  This  species 
may,  therefore,  be  regarded  as  inhabiting  nearly  the  whole  of  Northern 
North  America. 

23.  Genus  EUSPIZA,  Bonaj^.  Comp.  List,  p.  32  (18.']8). 
1.  EuspizA  DIUCA  (Molina) . 

FrimjiUa  dima,  Molina,  Sagg.  Hist.  Nat.  Chili  (1782),  2d  edition,  p.  210  (1810). 

*  "  Male,  entirely  black,  with  steel-blue  reflections;  immature  birds  have  the  tips  and 
edges  of  the  feathers  brown  on  the  back  and  head,  and  whitish  on  the  breast. 

"Female,  umber-brown  above;  lighter  beneath;  feathers  of  the  breast  aud  flanks  with 
darker  longitudinal  lines. 

"  Total  length  (male),  four  and  four-tenths  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  two 
and  two-tenths  inches ;  tail,  one  and  seven-tenths  inches ;  tarsi,  six-tenths  of  an  inch  ; 
middle  toe,  nine-twentieths  of  an  inch  (nail  broken) ;  hind  toe,  including  nail,  half  an 
inch ;  nail,  two-tenths  of  an  inch." 


frc  -t 


136  ORNITHOLOGY. 

Pi'pilo  cinerea,  Pkale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Vinconncs,  Birds,  p.  128  (lut  cd.  1848).* 

Mem.  Aciid.  St.  Petersburg,  1831,  Plate  XI;  Voy.  Favorite,  Ois. 
Plate  XVII;  Guerins  Mag.  1830,  Plate  IX. 

The  Diuca  is  one  of  the  most  abundant  of  the  birds  of  Chili,  and  is 
contained  in  nearly  all  collections  of  birds  brought  from  that  country. 
It  is  remarkable  for  its  power  and  melody  of  voice,  and  for  its  fami- 
liarity of  manners,  and  is  a  general  favorite  with  the  people  of  Western 
South  America. 

Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  Female  nearly  of  the  same  size  and  appearance  as  the  male,  but 
lighter  in  color,  and  inclining  to  tawny  on  the  back. 

"  They  were  seen  in  considerable  numbers  during  the  month  of 
May,  were  commonly  on  the  ground,  and  formed  one  of  the  charac- 
teristics of  the  road  from  Valparaiso  to  St.  Jago,  in  Chili.  They 
scratch  amongst  straw  and  other  remains  of  food  left  by  the  oxen  used 
in  carts  to  carry  merchandise  to  and  from  the  capital." 


24.  Genus  PHRYOILUS,  T»ihu(U,  Faun.  Per.  p.  217  (1840). 

1.    PUKYGILUS   ALAUDINUS  {Klttlltz). 

Friniji'lfa  alaudhta,  Kittmtz,  Kupf.  Naturgesli.  Vog.  p.  18  (183,3). 

FrintjIUa  {^Xqihivii)  huiniatu,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Vinceunes,  Birds,  p.  121 

(1848).t  . , 

*  "  Cinereous-gray ;  throat  and  abdominal  spot,  white ;  hieU  and  vent,  ferruginous ; 
under  tail-covcrts  white,  edged  with  ferruginous;  tail,  consisting  of  twelve  feathers, 
slightly  rounded ;  shafts  black,  the  four  middle  feathers  dark  ashy-brown,  the  others 
with  white  inner  webs  near  the  tip,  th(  white  occupies  about  half  of  the  outer  feathers, 
and  is  graduated  on  the  others  to  a  mere  spot  on  the  fourth ;  upper  mandible,  brown ; 
lower  mandible,  bluish-white ;  legs,  dark  brown  ;  iris,  brown. 

"Total  length,  seven  and  three-fourths  inches;  wing  from  the  carpal  joint,  four  and 
one-tenth  inches;  tail,  three  inches;  tarsi,  nine-tenths  of  an  iiicii ;  middle  toe,  including 
the  cliiw,  eight-tenths  of  an  inch ;  claw,  one-fourth  of  an  inch ;  hiud  toe,  thirteen- 
twentieths  of  an  inch;  claw,  seven-twentieths  of  an  inch;  bill,  half  an  inch;  to  tho 
corner  of  tho  mouth,  three-fourths  of  an  inch.     Male." 

f  "Head,  neck,  breast,  back,  and  wings,  cinereous;  scapulars  brown,  with  fulvous 
margins;  dorsal  plumage  tipped  with  fulvous,  and  having  a  brown  centre;  abdomen 
and  under  tail-coverts,  pale  cream  color;  wings,  cinereous;  primaries  pale,  sepia-brown, 


INSES80RES. 


137 


Kittlitz,  Kupf.  Plate  XXIII,  fig.  2. 

This  is  a  species  of  a  group  of  sparrows,  which  present  some  analo- 
gies to  the  snow  sparrows  of  North  America. 

Of  this  bird,  Mr.  Peale  observes  : 

"  Obtained  in  the  vicinity  of  Valparaiso,  Chili,  in  the  month  of  May, 
at  which  season  it  is  not  common.  It  frequents  low  bushes,  and  is 
much  on  the  ground.  Its  general  habits  and  appearance  resemble 
those  of  the  snow-bird  of  North  America  {Niphcea  hyemalis),  the  tail, 
however,  appears  bordered  with  black  while  the  birds  are  flying,  in- 
stead of  having  the  white  margin  of  the  Northern  species." 


25.  Genus  ERYTHRURA,  Swainioit,  Cab.  Cy.  II,  p.  280(1837). 

1.  ErYTHRURA  CYANOVIRENS  (/fcaZe). 

Geotunza  ci/anovirens,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  117  (Ist  od.  1848). 
Erythrura  Pucherani,  BoNAP.  Cons.  Av.  p.  457  (1850).  ? 


Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  VIII,  fig.  2.    Adult. 

Capite  miniato,  gutture  et  pedore  palUde  coeruleis.  Coipoi'e  supra  coeru- 
lescend-viridi,  remigibus  caudaque  saturate  fuacia,  pennis  caudalihua 
rubro  externe  marginatia.     Long.  tot.  4  i  poUicea. 

Bill  short,  thick,  turgid;  culmen  curved  from  the  base;  gonys  ascend- 
ing ;  wings  moderate,  or  rather  long ;  tail  short,  with  its  feathers 
narrow  and  weak.  Tarsi  and  toes  moderate,  rather  weak.  Head 
above  from  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible,  fine  crimson ;  throat, 

lighter  beneath,  the  exterior  margins  cinereous ;  tail  even,  consisting  of  twelve  feathers, 
black,  with  a  white  band  across  the  middle,  which  does  not  include  the  two  middle 
feathers,  or  the  outer  webs  of  any  but  the  two  outside ;  bill  and  legs,  yellow ;  irides, 
brown.     Male. 

"  Total  length,  five  and  nine-tenths  iDcb<:s;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  three  and  six- 
tenths  inches;  tail,  two  and  three-tenths  inches;  tarsi,  eight-tenths  of  an  inch;  middle 
toe,  including  the  claw,  six-tenths  of  an  inch;  claw,  two-tenths  of  an  inch;  hind  toe, 
eleven-twentieths  of  an  inch  ;  claw,  three-tenths  of  an  inch;  bill,  half  an  inch;  to  the 
angle  of  the  mouth,  six-tenths  of  an  inch." 

35 


Mi 


138 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


breast,  and  collar  around  the  back  of  the  neck,  light-blue ;  abdomen 
and  entire  upper  parts  of  the  body  green,  with  a  bluish  tinge. 
Quills  dark-brown,  with  their  exterior  edges  green ;  upper  tail-coverts 
brownish-red,  which  is  also  the  color  of  the  two  middle  feathers  of 
the  tail,  others  dark-brown,  with  red  margins  on  their  outer  webs ; 
bill  dark ;  legs  paler ;  irides  brown. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin,  sex  unknown),  four  and  a  half 
inches;  wing,  two  and  a  half  inches;  tail,  one  and  a  half  inches;  tarsus, 
about  three-fourths  of  an  inch. 

Hab. — Upolu,  Samoan  Islands.   Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

Of  this  beautiful  little  bird,  the  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition  are  fortunately  in  adult  plumage,  and  in  good  condition. 
We  regard  it  as  a  species  not  previously  described,  and  it  is  not  related 
closely  to  any  other  of  its  genus. 

Mr.  Peale  alludes  to  this  bird  as  follows  : 

"  Specimens  of  this  species  were  obtained  at  the  Island  of  Upolu, 
one  of  the  Samoan  Group.  It  is,  however,  rare,  owing  in  all  probabi- 
lity, to  its  favorite  haunts  being  quite  lijuitcd  in  extent.  It  delights 
in  open  or  bushy  grounds,  and  is  seldom  found  amongst  large  trees." 

Our  plate  represents  this  bird  of  the  size  of  life. 


2.  Erttiikura  Pealei,  UarHaui. 

Eijithrura  Peak!,  IIautlaub,  Troschel.  Archiv.  1852,  p.  104. 
Geospizaprasina,  Pealk,  Zool.  U.  S.  Kxp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  IIG  (Ist  ed.  1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  VIII,  fig.  1.     Adult. 

Cupite  supra  ct  lectricihus  canihiUhna  fniperionhna  cocrhms,  (jutture  et 
pectore  coertdeiti,  Curpf^re  miprd  pa/lii/e  cueruJvticoiti-virttU,  remltji- 
biiK  et  Cauda  /u.scesct.'ii(i-ni(/ri8,  2)e»?u«  caudalibiia  fusccscenti-nibro 
nutnjiuatis.     Lomj.  tot.  4  poUiccH, 

Smaller  than  the  preceding;  bill  thick,  turgid  ;  culmen,  curved  from 
the  base;  gonys  a* lending;  wings  moderate;  tail  short,  with  its 


^f: 


INSE3S0RES. 


139 


feathers  weak.  Head  above  from  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible 
and  upper  tail-coverts,  scarlet ;  throat  and  breast  blue,  very  deep 
on  the  former,  lighter  on  the  latter;  occiput,  body  above,  wing- 
coverts,  and  abdomen,  light-green,  tinged  with  bluish  on  the  latter ; 
quills  brownish-black,  with  their  external  edges  green ;  tail-feathers 
dark-brown,  edged  with  brownish-red;  bill  and  legs  dark;  irides 
brown. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin,  sex  unknown),  four  inches; 
wing,  t.i^o  and  one-fourth  inches;  tail,  one  and  one-fourth  inches. 
"Extent  of  wings,  seven  and  three-eighths  inches"  (Peale). 

Hab. — Venua  Levu,  Feejee  Islands.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus. 
Washington. 

Another  beautiful  little  species,  smaller  than  the  preceding,  but 
strictly  of  the  same  generic  characters.  Specimens  in  the  collection 
of  the  Expedition  are  in  excellent  plumage,  and  evidently  fairly  repre- 
sent the  species. 

Mr.  Peale  says  of  this  bird  : 

"Found  in  scattered  flocks  about  Casuarina  trees,  in  an  open  dry 
country,  in  the  island  of  Venua  Levu,  one  of  the  Fecjees.  It  was 
frequently  on  the  ground,  but  what  it  was  feeding  on  we  were  unable 
to  determine.  Its  common  note  is  shrill  and  harsh,  but  occasionally 
one  was  heard  to  warble  very  sweetly." 

The  name  given  by  Mr.  Peale  to  this  bird  having  been  preoccupied 
by  another  species  of  the  same  genus,  Erythrura prasiua  (Sparrmann), 
originally  described  as  Loxia  lii'oslna  (the  same  as  Fnugilla  sphenura, 
Temm.),  it  became  necessary  to  apply  another,  which  was  done  in 
compliment  to  Mr.  Peale,  by  Dr.  Gustav  Ilartlaub,  of  the  City  of 
Bremen,  one  of  the  most  accomplished  Ornithologists  of  Europe. 

The  ligure  in  our  plate  is  of  the  size  of  life. 


t  lit  »■; 


2G.  Genus  I'lPILO,  VUill.  Analyse,  p.  32  (181G). 
1.    PiPILO  OREGONA,  Bell. 
Pipilo  oretjona,  Bell,  Ann.  Lye.  Nat.  Hist.  N.  Y.  V,  p.  6  (1848). 
Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCXCIV;  oct.  ed.  Ill,  Plate  CXCIV. 


4i^ 

:■«;.■ 


140 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


This  is  a  species  much  resembling  the  now  well-known  Pipilo  arc- 
tica,  for  which  it  has  been  mistaken  by  some  American  authors.  Its 
points  of  distinction  and  specific  characters  are  very  clearly  defined  by 
Mr.  John  G.  Bell,  of  New  York,  as  above  cited,  and  are  uniformly 
present  in  the  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  and  in 
others  that  have  come  under  our  observation. 

Mr.  Peale  states : 

"  This  is  a  common  bird  in  all  favorable  ground  throughout  Oregon. 
It  there  occupies  the  same  position  which  the  *  towhe'  or  *  jewinck' 
does  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Eocky  Mountains." 


27.  Gends  PIPILOPSIS,  Bonap.  Cons.  Av.  p.  485  (1850). 
1.  PiPiLOPSis  RUFiCEPS  {i^ric7da7id) . 
Tachyphonut  rujkept,  Strick.  Ann.  Nat.  Hist.  XIII,  p.  419  (1844). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  VII,  fig.  3.    Adult. 

Specimens  of  this  handsome  little  bird  are  labelled  in  the  collection 
of  the  Expedition  as  having  been  obtained  in  Brazil. 
Our  figure  represents  this  bird  of  the  size  of  life. 


2.  Tribe  DENTIROSTRES. 

1.  Family  LANIADiE. 
1.  Genus  ARTAMUS,  Vieill.  Analyse,  p.  41  (1816). 
1.  ArtAMUS  LEUCOBHYNCnuS  {GmeUa). 
Lanius  leueorhynchus,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  305  (1788). 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  IX,  fig.  1;  Kittl.  Kupf.  Plate  XXX,  fig.  1. 

From  the  Island  of  Mangsi,  and  similar  in  all  respe^3ts  to  the  com- 
mon bird  of  the  continent  of  Asia.  . 


INSESSORES.  141 


2.  Artamus  mentalis,  Jai'dine. 

Arfamus  mentalis,  Jardine,  Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.  XVI,  p.  174  (1845). 
Ocypttrus  mentalis,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  84  (1848).* 

Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.  XVI,  Plate  VIII ;  Voy.  Astrolabe  and 
Zel^e,  Ois.  Plate  IX,  fig.  1. 

Numerous  specimens  of  this  fine  species  from  the  Feejee  Islands 
agree  in  all  important  particulars  with  the  description  by  Sir  William 
Jardine,  and  with  the  plates  cited  above.  They  are,  however,  gene- 
rally, so  far  as  can  be  judged  from  prepared  specimens,  rather  larger 
than  as  stated  in  the  original  description,  but  very  nearly  the  size  re- 
presented in  the  plate  in  the  Zoological  Atlas  to  the  Voyage  of  the 
Astrolabe  and  Zelee. 

This  bird  is  one  of  the  largest  of  its  genus,  but  strictly  of  the  same 
general  characters  as  the  well-known  species  of  the  Asiatic  Islands,  and 
of  Australia. 

Mr.  Peale's  account  of  this  species  is  as  follows  : 

"  Both  sexes  are  alike  in  plumage,  and  can  hardly  be  distinguished 
from  each  other ;  the  males  are,  however,  a  trifle  the  larg(;r.  It  in- 
hab.ts  all  the  islands  of  the  Feejee  riruup,  and  Is  found  only  in  such 
places  as  are  not  covered  with  (recw  or  bushes.  In  open  grounds  it 
may  be  seen  sitting  on  a  dead  linu'li  of  some  solitary  tree,  patiently 
watching  for  grasshoppers,  on  which  it  generally  feeds.  Sometimes  it 
will  start  in  pursuit  of  insects  on  the  wing,  when  its  movements  and 
appearance  are  those  of  a  swallow,  with  thi^  diflerenci  that  it  fre- 
quently hovers  over  one  particular  spot,  and  i)luiiges  into  the  grass, 
as  kingfishers  do  into  the  water.  We  occasionally  saw  thi.s  ^  cies  in 
companies  of  three  or  four,  but  more  frequently  solitary." 

*  "  Head,  throat,  ba<;k,  wings,  and  tail,  black ;  rump,  under  tail-coverts,  and  all  the 
under  parts,  white,  a  narrow  white  tip  to  the  tail;  feet,  dark  lead-coli"- ;  bill,  blue; 
iridcs,  brown. 

"  Total  length,  eight  inehcs ;  extent  of  wings,  fourteen  and  three  f  ,  inches ;  wing, 
from  the  carpal  joint,  five  and  four-tenths  inches;  tail,  two  and  eight-tenths  inches; 
tarsi,  sovcn-tcnths  of  an  inch  ;  middle  toe,  including  claw,  eight-tenths  of  an  inch ;  claw, 
three-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  hind  too,  six-tcntiis  of  an  inch ;  claw,  three-tenths  of  an  inch  ; 
bill,  eight-tenths  of  an  iuch;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  one  and  one-tenth  of  an  inch. 
Female." 

30 


■*• 


142  ORNITHOLOGY. 


2.  Genus  COLLURICINCLA,  Vig.  and  ITon/.  Trans.  Linn.  Soc. 
London,  XV,  p.  213  (1825). 

1.   COLLUKICINCLA    HARMONICA  {Lath.). 

T  trdus  harmontcm,  Latham,  Gen.  Syn.  Supp.  p.  41  (1801). 
CUnricinda  slriijafa,  SwAiNSON,  Cab.  Cy.  Birds,  PI.  Ill,  p.  283  (1838). 
Tardus  palUdus,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  liJxp.  Vincennes,  Birds,  p.  86  (lat  ed.  1848).* 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  II,  Plate  LXXIV. 

In  his  description,  as  above  cited,  Mr,  Peale  states  his  specimen  to 
have  been  obtained  near  Valparaiso.  His  label  is,  however,  now  at- 
tached to  a  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  which  is 
undoubtedly  the  young  of  CoUuriclnda  liarmonka,  a  common  bird  of 
Australia.  His  description,  too,  entirely  corresponds  with  it,  and  there 
is  in  fact  no  doubt  ihat  the  specimen  to  which  we  allude  is  the  iden- 
tical one  described. 

We  can  account  for  this  .singular  error  only  by  supposing  that  a  bird 
resembling  that  at  present  before  us,  for  instance,  a  species  of  Lipan- 
gus,  might  have  been  observed  and  obtained  at  the  locality  mentioned 
by  Mr.  Peale,  and  afterwards  lost.  Otherwise,  we  must  adopt  the 
difficult  inference  that  this  bird  of  Australia  cither  is  a  native  also  of 
Ciiili,  or  a  visitor  to  that  country,  though  never  ob.served,  nor  any 

*  "  Crown,  iirck,  and  back,  asbj-brown  ;  tbront  wbite,  lincated  with  pale  brown  ;  breast, 
abdomen,  and  under  part  of  the  tail,  pale  ash-eolor,  the  feathers  having  a  darker  c:.>ntrc; 
wings  and  upper  part  of  the  tail,  ashy-brown  ;  greater  wing-coverts  margined  with  fer- 
ruginous; fourth  and  fifth  quills  cfjual  and  I'mgest,  first,  half  tho  length  of  'he  second; 
tail  consisting  of  twelve  feathers,  nearly  even  at  the  end;  s'littts  r.hite;  irides  brown; 
bill  black  ;  legs  horn-colur. 

"  Total  length,  nine  and  stven-tentb?  inchcn ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  five  and 
three-tenths  inches;  tail,  four  and  two-tenths  inches;  tarsi,  one  and  three-twentieths  of 
an  inch;  middle  toe,  including  the  claw,  nine-tenths  of  an  inch;  claw,  three-tenths  of 
an  inch  ;  hind  too,  including  the  claw,  seven-twentieths  of  an  inch  ;  bill,  Hcvcn-teuths  of 
an  inch ;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  one  and  one-twentieth  of  an  inch. 

"  Uur  specimen  was  obtained  in  the  month  of  May,  near  Valparaiso  ;  its  actions  wcro 
like  the  Hobin  of  North  America  (^Turdu»  mii/nitoriKu),  to  which  its  voice  also  had  a 
distant  rcsen.blance,  and  whenever  it  uttered  its  call  note,  it  -vus  attended  with  a  jerk  of 
the  tail,  in  thi?  characteristic  manner  of  the  Northern  llobiu.  ' 


INSES80RE8. 


143 


other  species  of  its  genus  in  Western  South  America,  hy  any  natu- 
ralist. 

The  present  specimen  is  in  very  nearly  that  stage  of  plumage  de- 
scribed by  Mr.  Swainson,  as  above,  as  CoUuricinda  strigata,  of  which 
numerous  specimens  from  Mr.  Gould's  Australian  collection  are  in 
the  Museum  of  the  Fhilac'elphia  Academy. 


^.  Genus  IRENA,  Ilorg/.  Tr*\ns.  Linn.  Soo.  London,  XIII,  p.  1.53  (1820). 

1.  Ibena  cyanogastra,  Vigors. 
Trena  cyanogaitra.  Vigors,  Proo.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1831,  p.  97. 
Gray,  Gen.  of  Birds,  I,  Plate  LXX. 

A  very  fine  specimen  from  the  Island  of  Panay,  one  of  the  Philip- 
pines. 

4.  Genus  LALAGE,  Bote,  Isis,  1826,  p.  973. 

1.  Lalage  terat  (Boihlaert). 

Turdiii  terat,  BoDD.  Tub.  PI,  Enl.  p.  17  (1783). 

Tnrdus  oricntalis,  Gil.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  821  (1788). 

CuUurlcwrla  maculosa,  Pkale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  81  (Isted.  1848).* 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  273,  fig.  3. 

'*'  "Crown  and  occiput  black,  with  a  slight  greenish  gloss;  frontal  feathers  slightly 
edged  with  white ;  brow,  sides  of  neck,  throat,  breast,  under  wing-coverts,  under  tail- 
coverts,  and  all  tho  lower  parts  white,  the  feathers  lead-colored  at  their  roots ;  a  black 
line  runs  from  tho  front  of  the  eye  to  tho  occiput ;  back  and  lesser  wing-coverts,  black ; 
rump  cinereous,  clouded  \vith  black  ;  wings  pointed,  tho  first  quill  narrow  and  but  half 
the  length  of  tho  second,  tbird  and  fourth  equal  and  longest,  black,  basal  half  of  the 
inner  webs  white,  the  outer  edges  margined  with  yellowish-white;  greater  wing-coverts 
white,  with  a  pointed  black  line  down  the  middle  ;  tail  rounded,  black,  tipped  with  white, 
but  slightly  on  the  middle  feathers,  tho  outer  ones  margined  with  white  half  their  length ; 
bill  and  feet  black;  iridcs  brown.     Adult  male. 

"Total  length,  seven  and  two-tenths  inches;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  four  and 
three-tenths  inches;  tail,  two  and  eight-tenths  inches;  tarsus,  one  inch;  middle  toe,  in- 
cluding tho  nail,  eight-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  bind  toe,  including  the  nail,  six-tenths  of  an 
inch  ;  nuil,  one-fourth  of  an  inch ;  bill,  half  an  inch ;  to  tho  corner  of  the  mouth  eight- 
tenths  of  an  inch." 


•u#| 


144 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Specimens  in  the  collection  are  from  the  Feejee  and  Samoan  Islands, 
and  are,  to  us,  not  distinguishable  from  others  from  various  islands  of 
the  Malay  Archipelago.  This  common  species  has  evidently  a  very 
extended  range  of  locality. 

Mr.  Peale  remarks  of  this  bird  : 

"  The  voice  of  this  species  is  a  shrill  whistle,  and  it  mostly  frequents 
open  grounds  where  there  are  a  few  scattered  Pandanua  trees,  which 
it  seems  to  prefer.  It  is  a  common  species  on  all  the  islands  of 
the  Feejee  Group.  One  specimen  was  obtained  at  Upolu,  one  of  the 
Samoan  Islands. 

"  The  young  birds  differ  from  the  adults  in  being  of  an  umber-brown 
color  above,  and  in  having  numerous  waved  lines  across  the  breast  and 
abdomen." 

Numerous  specimens  in  good  plumage  and  condition  are  in  the  col- 
lection of  the  Expedition. 


W- 


2.  Family  MUSCICAPIDJE. 
1.  Genus  MUSCIPETA,  Vuvier,  Reg.  An.  I,  p.  344  (1817). 

J'  1.    MUSCIPETA  RUFA  (67.  -R.  6rra?/). 

Tchictrea  rii/a,  0.  R.  Gray,  Aunals  and  Magazine  of  Natural  History,  XI,  p.  371 
(1843). 

Gray,  Gen.  of  Birds,  I,  Plate  LXIV. 

Form. — ^Bill  long,  wide  at  base  and  strong;  upper  mandible  at  the 
base  with  six  or  seven  pairs  of  rather  stiff,  long  bristles  ;  wing  long, 
fourth  primary  longest;  tail  long,  with  the  central  feathers  but 
slightly  exceeding  the  others ;  tarsi  and  toes,  rather  strong ;  claws 
rather  strong,  curved.  Feathers  of  the  head  above  somewhat  rigid 
and  scale-like,  probably  erectile.   , 

Dimensions. — Total  length,  about  eight  and  a  half  inches;  wing, 
three  and  three-fourths  inches  ;  tail,  four  and  a  half  inches  ;  bill,  from 
the  gape,  one  inch. 


M 


m 


INSESSORES. 


145 


Colors. — Entire  plumage  fine  rufous,  with  the  bases  of  the  feathers 
paler,  and  with  a  tinge  of  purple,  especially  observable  on  the  crest- 
like feathers  of  tl)e  head.  Inner  webs  of  the  primaries  darker,  inclin- 
ing to  brown.     Bill  and  legs  dark. 

Hab. — Philippine  Islands.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington, 
and  Mus.  Acad.  Philadelphia. 

A  fine  specimen  of  this  handsome  fly-catcher  is  marked  as  having 
been  obtained  at  the  Philippines.  It  entirely  agrees  with  all  the  cha- 
racters stated  by  Mr.  Gray,  or  represented  in  his  plate,  as  above  cited, 
but  the  plumage  is  rather  darker,  and  distinctly  tinged  with  purple, 
especially  on  the  head.  The  bill  is  remarkably  large  and  broad,  and 
the  bristles  at  the  base  of  the  upper  mandible  are  well  developed,  long, 
and  rather  rigid. 

We  havn  no  information  relating  to  the  manners  or  history  of  this 
interesting  species. 


2.  MusciPETA  CYANiCEPS,  Cassin. 

Muidpeta  ct/aniceps,  Cassin,  Proc.  Acad.  Philad.  VII,  p.  438  (1855). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  IX,  fi^,  1.     Adult. 

Form. — Bill  moderately  long,  wide  at  base,  rather  abruptly  compressed 
towards  the  end,  and  furnished  with  about  six  pairs  of  strong  rigid 
bristles,  some  of  which  are  nearly  as  long  as  the  bill.  Feathers  of 
the  head  above  but  slightly  elongated,  and  probably  erectile ;  wings 
rather  long,  with  the  fourth  primary  longest ;  tail  long,  wide,  cen- 
tral feathers  but  slightly  exceeding  others  next  to  them;  tarsi  rather 
long ;  toes  short,  feeble. 

Dimensions, — Total  length,  about  six  and  one-fourth  inches ;  wing, 
three  inches ;  tail,  three  c.nd  a  half  inches. 

Colors. — Entire  head  and  breast  dull  blue,  every  feather  having  a 
longitudinal  line  of  a  paler  shade  or  light-blue.  Upper  parts  of  the 
body,  the  abdomen,  and  several  of  the  outer  feathers  of  the  tail,  fine 

37 


■iM" 


■i^»-:*ii1 


'%i 


146 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


rufous,  palest  on  the  abdomen ;  quills  dark-brown,  secondaries  edged 
with  rufous.  Central  feathers  of  the  tail  dark-brown,  which  is  the 
color  also  of  the  inner  webs  of  the  feathers  next  to  them.  Bill  dark ; 
tarsi  lighter. 

tiAB. — Philippine  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

This  is  a  handsome  small  species,  the  only  specimen  of  which,  that 
we  have  ever  seen,  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  and  labelled 
as  having  been  obtained  at  the  Philippine  Islands.  It  bears  a  general 
resemblance  to  Muscicapa  horhmka,  Gm.  Buff'.  PI.  Enl.  573,  fig.  1, 
which  is  an  inhabitant  of  the  islands  of  Mauritius  and  Madagascar, 
but  may  easily  be  distinguished  by  the  pale  longitudinal  lines  on  the 
centres  of  the  blue  parts  of  the  plumage,  in  addition  to  which  cha- 
racter, the  present  bird  is  the  larger,  and  has  the  tail  disproportion- 
ately longer. 

The  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  record  nothing  in  relation  to  this 
bird. 


ii 


2.  Genus  MONARCIIA,  Vi<j.  and  ITon^f.  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  London, 
XV,  p.  24y  (1825). 

1.  MoxARCiiA  NIGRA  {Spar  -^um). 

Muscicapa  nigra,  SPARRMAN,  Museum  Carlsonianum  (not  paged,  178G). 

Muscicapa  lutca,  G.MKLIN,  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  944  (1788). 

Muxcicapa  Pmnarea,  Lesson,  iMan.  I,  p.  19'2  (18"28). 

Muncicapa  muupilicnsis,  Gaknot,  Voy.  Coquille,  Zool.  I,  p.  592  (182G). 

Muscicapa  atra,  FoRsTER,  Desc.  An.  pp.  170,  171  (1844). 

Voy.  Coquille,  Ois.  Plate  XVII;  Sparrm.  Mus.  Carls.  Plate  XXIII. 

Form. — Bill  rather  long,  strong;  culmen  strongly  defined ;  base  with 
about  twelve  pairs  of  short  weak  bristles  ;  wing  long,  first  p'^imary 
rudimentary,  fourth,  fifth,  and  sixth  longest,  and  very  nearly  >?qual ; 
tail  moderate ;  tarsi  long,  scaled ;  toes  rather  long ;  claws  stror.g, 
fully  curved.    General  form  compact  and  robust. 

Dimensions. — Total  length,  six  and  a  half  to  seven  inches ;  wing, 
three  and  a  half  inches  ;  tail,  three  inches. 


INSE8S0RES. 


147 


Color. — Adult  male?  Head  and  brenst  black,  terminal  half  of  the 
quills  dark-brown  ;  all  other  parts,  including  the  back,  coverts  of  the 
wings,  ventral  region,  and  tail,  white.  Secondaries  edged  with  white ; 
bill  and  tarsi  light  horn-color.  Younger  male  ?  Entire  plumage  glossy 
black.  Female.  Rump,  terminal  thirt'  of  the  quills  and  their  inner 
webs  and  terminal  half  of  the  tail,  dark-brown,  tinged  with  reddish  on 
the  latter ;  all  otlier  parts,  including  the  head,  back,  basal  portion  of 
the  tail,  and  entire  under  parts  rufous,  darker  on  the  head  above  and 
back,  and  palest  on  the  under  parts  and  tail.  Coverts  of  the  wing 
and  secondaries  edged  with  rufous;  inner  webs  of  primaries  edged 
with  white,  readily  seen  by  examining  the  inferior  surface  of  t'le  wing. 


Had. — Society  Islands.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington  City, 
and  Mus.  Acad.  Nat.  Sci.  Philadelphia. 

We  have  introduced  these  descriptions  of  the  supposed  stages  of 
plumage  of  this  bird,  for  the  purpose  of  expressing  doubts  as  to  the 
identity  of  the  first  described  with  the  others.  All  three  of  them  are 
well  represented  in  the  plate  in  the  Zoological  Atlas  of  the  Voyage  of 
the  Coquille,  above  cited,  and  there  and  elsewhere,  this  species  is  de- 
scriljed  as  assuming  the  plumages  given  above.  Were  it  not  that  these 
statements  are  made  by  naturalists  who  have  enjoyed  opportunities  for 
observation,  though  perhaps  not  very  ample,  in  the  islands  inhabited 
by  these  birds,  we  should  not  hesitate  to  pronounce  them  quite  distinct. 

Of  numerous  specimens  that  we  have  examined  in  the  collection  of 
the  Expedition  and  in  the  Museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  the 
bird  first  described  above  is  constantly  larger,  though  the  bill  is  rather 
narrower  and  scarcely  so  long  and  strongly  developed  as  in  that,  the 
plumfige  of  which  is  entirely  black.  Having,  however,  the  testimony 
of  the  naturalists  above  uUuded  to,  against  us,  we  have  not  proposed  a 
specific  name  at  present,  especially  in  consideration  of  the  fact  that  it 
is  rather  well  supplied  already,  and  of  the  possibility,  of  course,  of  our 
being  mistaken. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  of  this  bird  : 

"This  is  a  very  common  species  in  ti..  Island  of  Tahiti."  He  states 
also:  "  Excepting' those  specimens  which  are  entirely  black,  we  have 
not  seen  two  out  of  twenty  or  thirty  which  were  entirely  alike.  Deep 
black,  with  a  metallic  blue  gloss,  is  probably  the  perfect  dress  of  adult 
birds,  but  it  is  common  to  find  theai  variously  spotted,  black,  brown. 


•-fH 


^^ 


.^? 


Kfl 


148 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


and  white,  without  regularity,  although  they  may  be  paired  and  rais- 
ing their  broods.  Hence,  we  infer  that  they  are  subject  to  almost  the 
same  variations  which  are  so  remarkable  in  the  nightingale  of  those 
islands  {Thryothorua  Olatare),  and  which  we  have  never  before  ob- 
served birds  to  be  subject  to  in  their  natural  state,  but  is  common  in 
those  that  have  been  domesticated." 

When  writing  the  last  lines  of  .this  paragraph,  our  author  does  not 
appear  to  have  borne  in  mind  the  common  ruff  of  Europe,  Machetes 
piKjnax,  the  most  remarkable  instance  of  variableness  in  a  species, 
perhaps,  known  to  ornithologists.  Of  that  bird,  it  is  very  unusual  to 
find  two  adult  males  alike,  and  not  only  that,  but  specimens  are  usu- 
ally of  entirely  difierent  colors  in  some  parts  of  their  plumage. 


8.  Genus  MYIAORA,  Vlg.  and  Horsf.  Trans.  Linn.  Soo.  London,  XV,  p.  250  (1825). 
1.  Myiagra  vanikorensis  {Quoy  and  Oaimard).    ^ 

Pliilyrhymhos  vantkoroms,  QuoY  and  Gaimard,  Voy.  Astrolabe,  Zoologie,  I,  p.  188 
(1830;. 

Voy.  Astrolabe,  Ois.  Plate  V,  fig.  1. 

Form. — Bill  very  wide,  depressed ;  ridge  of  the  upper  mandible  dis- 
tinct ;  apertures  of  the  nostrils  large  and  conspicuous ;  gape  with 
numerous  pairs  of  short  rigid  bristles.  Wings  rather  long,  first 
primary  rudimentary,  third  longest;  tail  moderate ;  tarsi  and  toes 
slender. 

Dimensions. — Total  length,  about  five  and  a  half  inches;  wing, 
three  inches ;  tail,  two  and  a  half  inches. 

Colors. — Male.  Entire  head  and  breast  black,  with  a  green  lustre ; 
upper  parts  of  the  body,  dark  ashy-brown ;  under  parts,  from  the 
breast,  reddish  fulvous,  darker  on  the  lower  part  of  the  breast,  and 
palest  on  the  ventral  region  and  under  coverts  of  the  tail.  Quills 
brown ;  secondaries  narrowly  edged  with  pale  cinereous ;  tail  brown, 
paler  beneath.  Bill  and  tarsi  dark.  Inferior  coverts  of  the  wing 
white,  barred  and  spotted  with  black.     "  The  back  of  the  female  is 


«,-r|. 


1N8ESS0RES. 


149 


cinereous ;  the  wings  and  tail  brown ;  the  breast  rufous ;  the  throat 
white;  in  other  respects  like  the  male"  (Peale). 

Had. — Feejee  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington  City. 

This  little-known  bird  is  strictly  congeneric  with  Myimjra  nidda 
and  riihevnJa,  Gould^  and  other  species  of  Australia.  The  figure  in  the 
Zoological  Atlas  of  the  Voyage  of  the  Astrolabe,  cited  above,  repre- 
sents it  as  smaller  than  the  specimen  now  before  us,  which  may  be 
attributed  either  to  such  being  the  fact  in  the  different  locality  at 
which  the  specimen  figured  was  obtained,  or  to  a  difference  merely  in 
the  preparation  of  the  skin.  All  the  characters  are,  however,  well 
represented  in  the  plate  to  which  we  have  reference. 

Of  this  handsome  species  we  have  no  account,  other  than  a  label 
stating  the  locality  as  above  given. 


2.  Myiagba  rubecula  {Latham). 

Toilus  rubecula,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  Supp.  p.  32  (1801). 
Plalyrhynihus  riijicollk  and  rubecula,  VlKlLL. 

JUi/iai/ra  rubeculuiiles,  VIGORS  &  UoRSF.  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  London,  XV,  p.  253. 
Mi/iai/ra  lutirostri's,  Goui.D,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1840,  p.  172. 
Pluti/rhj/nchut  albiventris,  Pealk,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Vincennes,  Birds,  p.  102  (1st  ed. 
1848).* 
Mjjiagra  nidda,  Gould,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1837,  p.  142  ? 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  II, Plate  XCII;  ibid.  Plate  XCI? 


Ililll 


Of  this  species,  very  accurately  and  handsomely  figured  by  Mr. 
Gould,  as  above  cited,  specimens  from  the  Samoan  Islands  cannot  be 

*" Form  more  slender  than  P.  Vaiiil-orcnsi's ;  bill  longer;  all  the  lower  parts  from 
the  breast  down,  white ;  head  and  neck  black ;  lesser  wing-covcrts  and  rump,  dark  asV 
color;  wings  and  tail  black;  first  quill  less  than  half  the  length  of  the  fourth,  fourth 
quill  longest;  under  coverts  of  the  wings  margined  with  white;  throat  and  breast  bright 
rufous;  bill  light-blue;  legs  black;  iridcs  brown. 

"Total  length,  five  and  seven-eighths  inches;  extent  of  wings,  eight  and  five-eighths 
inches;  wing,  from  the. carpal  joint,  two  and  nine-tenths  inches;  tail,  two  and  four- 
tenths  inches;  tarsi,  thirteen-twcntieths  of  an  inch;  middle  toe,  including  the  nail,  eleven- 
twentieths  of  an  inch;  nail,  three-twentieths  of  an  inch ;  hind  toe,  nine-twentieths  of  an 
inch ;  nail,  two-tenths  of  an  inch ;  bill,  half  an  inch ;  to  the  corners  of  the  mouth,  scven- 
tcnths  of  an  inch ;  width,  three-tenths  of  an  inch."     (Peale,  as  above.) 

8d 


M 


150 


OnNITHOLOOY. 


distinguished  from  others  in  the  Australian  collection  of  birds  in  the 
Museum  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia.  There 
is,  however,  in  diflerent  specimens,  a  considerable  variety  in  the  shade 
and  intensity  of  the  color  of  the  throat,  most  observable  in  specimens 
which  have  not  the  appearance  of  Injing  in  mature  plumage.  In 
adults,  this  color  is  deep  rufous  or  russet,  gradually  becoming  paler  as 
it  approaches  the  white  of  the  breast  and  abdotncn.  It  is  possible  that 
some  of  the  synonymes  above  given,  may  be  more  properly  applicable 
to  the  females  of  other  species  of  Australia,  though  all  the  measure- 
ments are  those  of  this  bird. 

Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  The  two  sexes  vary  but  little,  if  at  all,  in  size.  The  female  has 
the  head  dark-gray,  instead  of  black,  also  the  rufous  on  the  throat  and 
breast  is  not  so  bright.  This  species  is  not  uncommon  at  the  Samoan 
Islands.  It  delights  in  thick  shady  forests,  and  patiently  watches  for 
insects,  which  it  takes  on  the  wing." 


4.  Genus  RHIPIDURA,  Viff.  and  lion/.  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  London, 
XV,  p.  240  (18-25). 

1.    RniPIDURA   ALBISCAPA,   Goulll. 

lihlpiduru  albi'tcapa,  OouLD,  Proo.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1840,  p.  113. 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  II,  Plate  LXXXIII. 

Respecting  this  little  species,  specimens  of  which  are  from  New 
Zealand ;  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  have  some  interesting  ob- 
servations. 

Mr.  Peale  gives  the  following : 

*'  This  beautiful  and  familiar  bird  was  quite  common  in  all  the  forest 
districts  around  the  Bay  of  Islands,  New  Zealand.  Whenever  we 
entered  a  bushy  and  retired  situation,  we  were  sure  to  be  attacked  by 
numerous  mosquitoes,  and  whenever  so  attacked,  we  were  sure  to  hear 
the  *  Hee-waJca-tcaJca,'  as  this  bird  is  there  called  from  its  cry ;  it  was 
almost  certain  to  come  to  our  relief,  darting  after  the  mo.squitoes  within 
a  few  inches  of  our  faces,  then  alighting  on  low  branches,  and  skipping 
around,  its  wings  drooping  and  beautiful  fan-like  tail  carried  nearly 
perpendicular  over  its  back. 


I  N  8  E  S  8  0  R  E  8. 


161 


"  There  is  scarcely  any  difTerenco  in  the  pluinngo  of  the  two  sexes ; 
both  have  it  equally  Hoft  and  lax,  so  much  so,  that  it  is  exceedingly 
difficult  to  skin  them  iii  such  a  manner  as  to  make  good  specimens." 

Dr.  Pickering  mentions  this  bird  as  follows : 

"  The  *  fan-tailed  fly-catcher'  was  often  met  with  in  the  woods.  It 
is  an  exceedingly  familiar  bu'd,  and  will  approach  within  a  few  feet  of 
you,  with  its  tail  elevated  and  expanded,  apparently  attracted  by 
curiosity.  I  saw  it  only  flitting  from  branch  to  branch,  keeping  near 
the  ground  among  the  undergrowth,  and  never  observed  it  taking 
short  flights  for  the  capture  of  insects  in  the  usual  manner  of  fly- 
catchers." 

This  little  bird  belongs  to  a  group  of  very  graceful  fly-catchers, 
forming  the  genus  Hhijudum,  of  which  the  species  are  restricted  to 
the  islands  in  the  Pacific  Ocean.  They  are  remarkable  for  long  and 
fan-like  tails,  and  hence  have  obtained  the  .designation  as  above  given 
by  Dr.  Pickering. 


2.  Rhipidura  nebulosa,  Rale. 

Rhlpidura  nehuhm  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  99  (Ist  edition,  1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  IX,  fig.  2.    Young. 

Toy.  Ast.  and  Zel.  Ois.  Plate  II,  fig.  5  ? 

Tota  fuUginosa,  gulture  et  auribus  alhis,  crissis  albis.  Jie/ert  R.  alhls- 
capam.    Long.  tot.  5  J  pollices. 

Form. — Generally  much  resembling  that  of  E.  olbiscapa.  Tail  long ; 
wings  moderate  or  rather  long;  legs  slender;  bill  wide;  bristled  at 
base. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  five  and  a  half  inches; 
wing,  three  inches;  tail,  three  and  one-fourth  inches. 

Colors. — Under  coverts  of  the  tail  white.  All  other  parts  of  the 
plumage,  dull  fuliginous,  darkest  on  the  head,  and  lightest  on  the 
abdomen.    Throat  and  obscure  spot  on  the  ear  whitish ;  shafts  of  the 


im 


IK' 


152 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


tail-feathers  and  a  narrow  edging  at  their  tips,  white.      Bill  dark; 
lower  mandible  white  at  its  base ;  legs  dark.   "  Irides  brown"  (Peale) . 

Hab. — Samoan  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mi!«i.  WashingtoP  City. 

This  is  a  species  described  by  Mr.  Peale  as  above,  from  a  single 
specimen,  not  in  good  order,  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition.  This 
specimen,  now  before  us,  is  evidently  that  of  a  young  bird,  and  very 
probably  not  in  the  plumage  assumed  at  maturity.  It  is  not,  there- 
fore, without  hesitation,  that  wo  have  admitted  it  into  our  present 
volume  a»  a  species  hitherto  undescribed,  especially  as  it  shows  a  near 
relationship  to  the  species  alluded  to  in  the  article  immediately  pre- 
ceding {li.  albkcapa). 

The  colors  of  the  superior  parts,  in  the  present  bii'd,  are  very  nearly 
the  same  as  those  of  B.  alhhcapny  but  the  under  ports  are  of  a  color 
nearly  uniform  with  the  upper.  In  the  last  character  it  differs  from 
any  specimen  of  that  species  that  we  have  seen.  There  is  a  distinct 
trace  of  white  on  t!ie  throat  and  ears,  and  the  shafts  of  the  tail-feathers 
are  white  as  in  R.  albiscapa.  The  bill  in  the  present  bird  is  slightly 
the  larger. 

The  figure  in  the  Zoological  Atlas  of  the  Voyage  of  the  Astrolabe 
and  Zelee,  cited  above,  may  represent  this  bird,  but  it  is  without  any 
of  the  white  markings. 

Mr.  Peale  mentions  this  species  as  "  found,  in  the  month  of  October, 
inhabiting  shady  forests  in  the  Island  of  Upolu,  and  not  so  familiar 
nor  noisy  as  the  New  Zealand  Fan-tails." 

The  figure  in  our  plate  is  of  the  natural  size,  and  represents  the  only 
specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 


5.  Genus  TYRANNUS,  Cuvie..  Rogne  Animal,  I,  p,  843  (1817). 

1.  Tyrannus  verticalis  (Siiy). — The  Arkansas  Fly-catcher. 

Mutckapa  verticalis,  Say,  Long's  Exp.  to  Rock.  Mount.  II,  p.  GO  (1823). 

Bonap.  Am.  Orn.  I,  Plate  II;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCLIX,  fig. 
I,  2 ;  oct.  ed.  I,  Plate  LIV. 


INSESSORES. 


153 


Frequently  noticed  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  occurring  in  Oregon.  It  is 
also  one  of  the  most  common  fly-catchers  of  California,  and  is  a  rare 
straggler  in  the  States  on  the  Atlantic,  having  been  obtained  by  Mr. 
Edward  Harris,  one  of  our  most  eminent  ornithologists,  in  New  Jersey. 


2.  Ttrannus  borealis,  Stoainson. 

Ti/rannus  horealis,  SwAlNS.  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  Birds,  p.  141  (1831). 
Mimkapa  Cooperi,  Nutt.  Man.  Ora.  I,  p.  282  (1832). 

Faun.  Bor.  Am.  Birds,  Plate  XXXV;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CLXXIV;  oct.  ed.  I,  Plate  LVIII. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  were  obtained  in 
Oregon.  This,  though  more  especially  a  Western  species,  has  fre- 
quently been  captured  in  the  Atlantic  States,  and  in  fact  may  be 
considered  as  becoming  more  common  than  formerly.  It  is  a  true 
Tyrannus,  though  little  is  known  of  its  manners  or  history. 

The  name  given  by  Swainson  to  this  bird  as  above,  is  undoubtedly 
entitled  to  be  adopted  on  account  of  priorit3^ 


G.  Genus  TYllANNULA,  Swai.is.  Cab.  Cy  II,  p.  225  (1837). 
1.  Tyrannula  Saya  {Bona}).). — Say's  Fly-catcher. 

Mmcicapa  Sat/a,  BoNAP.  Am.  Orn.  II,  p.  20  (1825). 

Bonap.  Am.  Orn.  II,  Plate  III ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCLIX, 
fig.  4,  5 ;  Oct.  ed.  I,  Plate  LIX. 

Mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  having  been  observed  in  Oregon,  nnd 
as  being  of  common  occurrence  at  weveral  localities  in  that  Territory. 
This  appears  to  be  one  of  the  most  abundant  fly-catchers  of  Western 
North  America,  being  brought  by  nearly  all  collectors  in  California 
and  Oregon. 


1  ■  .'  :e:^z 


\k 


%W. 


154 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


2.  Tybannula  albiceps  {Lafr.etnOrh.), 
Muscipeta  albiceps,  Lafr.  ot  D'Obb.  Mag.  de  Zool.  1837,  p.  47.  .    ' 

Specimens  in  the  collection  are  from  Tierra  del  Fuego. 

•  3.  Tybannula  chbysoceps  {Spix). 

Platyrltynchus  chrytoceps,  SPIX,  Av.  Braa.  II,  p.  10  (1825). 
2j/rannu/a/err«^tnca,  Swains.  B.  of  Braz.  p.  3  (1841). 

Spix.  Av.  Bras.  XI,  fig.  2;  Sw.  B.  of  Braz.  Plate  LIII. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  are  labelled  as  having  been  obtained  in 
Peru,  and  present  the  usual  characters  only  of  this  well-marked  spe- 
cies. 

7.  Genus  FLUVICOLA,  Swains.  Cab.  Cy.  II,  p.  256  (1837). 

1.    FlUVICOLA  CYANIBOSTBIS    (Vietll.). 
Mmclcapa  cyanirostris,  ViEiLL.  Nour.  Diet.  XXI,  p.  447. 

Gray,  Gen.  of  Birds,  I,  Plate  LXI. 
From  Tierra  del  Fuego. 


8.  Genus  PYROCEPHALUS,  Gould,  Zool.  Voy.  Beag'e,  Birds,  p.  44  (1841).  ^ 

1.  Pybocepualus  obscubus,  Oould. 

Pyrocephalus  obscurus,  GouLD,  Zool.  Voy.  Beagle,  Birds,  p.  45  (1841). 

Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  undoubtedly  of 
the  species  described  by  Mr.  Gould  as  above,  though  like  his  speci- 
mens, thoy  are  apparently  in  immature  plumage.  The  species  is, 
however,  certainly  different  from  either  P.  ruhineua  or  P.  iMrviroatrie, 


INSESSORES. 


155 


and  is  very  probably  when  adult  of  a  different  shade  of  red.    From 
Peru. 


9.  Genus  TAENIOPTERA,  Bonaparte,  Gray's  Gen.  of  Birds,  I,  p.  241  (1847). 

1.  Taenioptera  obscura  {Omelin). 

Muscicupa  obscura,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  945  (1788),  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  II,  p.  470. 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  IX,  fig.  3.    Adult  male. 

Form. — Compact  and  rather  strong ;  head  broad ;  aperture  of  the  nos- 
tril large;  membcane  consp'cuous;  wing  with  the  first  quill  short ; 
fourth  and  fifth  Ic  ngest  and  n?arly  equal ;  tail  moderate,  wide,  with 
its  feathers  pointed  and  mucronate ;  tarsi  long,  rather  slender ;  scales 
in  front  obscure. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  seven  inches;  wing, four 
inches ;  tail,  three  inches ;  tarsus,  one  and  a  half  inches. 

Colors. — Male.  Entire  plumage  above,  light  reddish-brown  or 
snuff  color,  most  distinct  on  the  back,  and  tinged  with  cinereous  on 
the  forehead.  Under  parts  light  ashy,  palest  on  the  flanks  and  abdo- 
men ;  under  tail-coverts  yellowish-white.  Quills  and  tail-feathers  light 
brown,  the  former  fulvous  at  their  bases,  and  the  shafts  of  the  latter, 
on  their  under  surfaces,  white.  Bill  dark,  tarsi  lighter.  Female. 
Quills  bright  fulvous  at  their  bases,  and  edged  on  their  outer  webs 
with  the  same  color.  Under  parts  paler  than  in  the  male,  white  on 
the  abdomen,  outer  feathers  of  the  tail  lighter. 


Had. — Sandwich  Islands. 
Mus.  Acad.  Philadelphia. 


Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington,  and 


This  remarkable  species  appears  to  have  been  lost  sight  of  by 
modern  ornithologists,  and  the  specimen  in  the  present  collection,  and 
another  in  that  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  are  the  only  ones  that 
have  come  under  our  notice.  T!ie  male  described  above,  which  is  in 
the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  is  in  excellent  plumage  and  preser- 
vation, and  differs  from  the  female  in  the  more  uniform  and  deeper 


W'' 


156 


OENITHOLOOr. 


cinereous  of  the  under  parts,  and  also  in  the  fulvous  portion  of  the 
quills  at  their  bases  being  less  extensive  and  not  so  conspicuous.  In 
the  female  (the  specimen  of  which,  now  before  us,  was  brought  from 
the  Sandwich  Islands  by  Dr.  J.  K.  Townsend),  these  fulvous  markings 
form  a  transverse  bar  obliquely  across  the  folded  wing,  and  the  under 
parts  of  the  body  are  nearly  white.  The  tarsi  are  long,  with  the  scales 
in  front  large,  but  very  obscurely  defined.  This  bird  much  resembles 
in  general  form  several  of  the  species  included  by  the  Prince  Bona- 
parte in  his  genus  Taeniopiera  (Cons.  Av.  p.  165),  but  is  different  in 
color  from  any  with  which  we  are  acquainted.  We  have,  however, 
for  the  present,  placed  it  in  this  genus. 
This  interesting  bird  is  represented  in  our  plate  the  size  of  life. 


10.  Genus  EUSCARTHMUS,  De  Wicd,  Beitr.  Zur.  Naturg.  Bras.  Ill,  p.  945  (1831). 
1.   EuSCARTHMUS   PARULUS  {KittUtz). 

Mmdcapn  parula,  KiTTLlTZ,  Mem.  Acad.  St.  Petersburg,  I,  p.  190  (1830). 
Iteijxdus  jilumuhiMts,  I'f.alk,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Vincennes,  Birds,  p.  94  (1st  ed.  1848).* 

Mem.  Acad.  St.  Peterssburg,  I,  Plate  9. 

This  remarkable  little  species  appears  to  have  been  singularly  over- 
looked by  naturalists  until  described  by  Kittlitz,  as  above.  It  appears 
to  be  one  of  the  most  common  birds  of  Chili,  being  brought  in  almost 
every  collection  from  that  country. 

The  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  is  in  adult  plu- 

*  "  Plumage  very  soft  and  open  in  texture ;  crest,  crown,  and  cheeks  black,  the  frontal 
feathers  having  a  slight  margin  of  white;  back  of  the  neck  cinereous;  back  olive-gray; 
throat  and  breast  white;  abdomen  pain-yellow,  the  feathers  lincated  along  the  centre  with 
black;  vent  and  under  tail-coverts  pale  straw-color;  wings  dark  p'ive-brown,  the  pri- 
maries, secondaries,  and  tcrtials  edged  with  dirty  white;  tail  slightly  rounded,  bipartite, 
and  composed  of  twelve  feathers  of  an  olive-brown  color,  excepting  the  two  outermost, 
which  have  the  outer  webs  white;  bill  and  legs  black  ;  iridcs  white. 

"Total  length,  four  and  ono-fourth  inches;  extent  of  wings,  five  and  five-eighths 
inches  ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  two  and  two-tenths  inches ;  tail,  one  and  ninetecn- 
twrntieths  of  an  inch;  tarsi,  seven-tenths  of  an  inch;  middle  toe,  including  the  claw, 
half  an  inch;  claw,  three-twentieths  of  an  inch  ;  hind  toe,  four-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  claw, 
two-tenths  of  an  inch ;  bill,  tbrcc-tcnths  of  au  inch ;  to  the  corner  of  tko  mouth  half  au 
inch." 


¥^ 

K 

V 

■  ,> 

\ 

^J 

% 

\ 

INSESSORES. 


157 


mage,  and  according  to  Mr.  Peale,  was  "  killed  near  Valparaiso,  on  the 
twenty-eighth  of  May,  whilst  actively  gleaning  for  insects  among  some 
low  bushes ;  it  was  alone,  and  excepting  a  faint  stzee,  stzee,  silent." 


3.  Family  TURDID^. 
1.  Genus  MERULA,  Ray. 

1.  Merdla  migbatoria  {Linn.). — The  American  Robin. 

Tardus  migratorius,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  811  (1766).         - 

Cat.  Car.  I,  Plate  XXIX ;  Buff.  PI.  Enl.  556,  fig.  1 ;  Wilson,  Am. 
Orn.  I,  Plate  II;  And.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CXXXI;  oct.  ed.  Ill,  Plate 
CXLII. 

Specimens  of  both  sexes  of  this  bird  from  Oregon,  are  similar  in  all 
respects  to  those  of  the  Eastern  United  States.  It  is  brought  too  in 
nearly  all  collections  from  California,  and  in  the  "  Voyage  en  Islande 
et  au  Greenland  sur  la  Corvette  la  Recherche,"  Zoology,  p.  157  (Paris, 
1851),  this  species  is  stated  to  be  common  in  Iceland,  in  the  summer. 
Its  northern  and  western  range  is  therefore  very  extensive,  and  it  ap- 
pears, in  fact,  to  inhabit  the  whole  of  North  America,  south  of  the 
limit  of  perpetual  frost. 

2.  Merula  falcklandica  {Quoy  and  Gaimard). 

Tttrdm  falckhmdkus,  QcOY  and  Gaimard,  "Voy.  Uranie,  Zoology,  p.  104  (1824). 
Turdus  magellanicus,  Kino,  Proo.  Zool.  See.  London,  I,  p.  14  (1830). 

This  bird  is  one  of  several  of  South  America  which  more  or  less 
resemble  in  form  and  general  appearance  the  common  bird  of  North 
America  immediately  preceding.  It  appears  to  inhabit  Western  South 
America  from  Peru  to  Ca^T  Horn,  and  is  stated  to  be  an  abundant 
species. 

Respecting  this  bird,  Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  The  young  of  this  species  was  found  at  Orange  Bay,  Tierra  del , 

40 


r-. 


3'M 


^-i.j.; 


-^i^ 


158 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Fuego,  just  fully  grown  in  the  month  of  February.  Their  size,  voice, 
and  general  appearance  are  so  much  like  the  Robin  of  North  America, 
that  few  of  our  officers  could  be  persuaded  that  they  were  not  identical." 


■^ 


3.  Merula  VANiKORENSis  [Quoij  ixnil  (nunuird). 

TunJM  vanifcorensis,  QuoY  AND  Oaimaud,  Voy.  Astrolabe,  Zoology  I,  p.  188 
(1830). 

Voy.  Astrolabe,  Birds,  Plate  VII,  fig.  2. 

Form. — Bill  large,  wide  at  base ;  wing  long,  first  primary  rudimentary ; 
fourth  slightly  longest;  tail  moderate,  rather  short;  tarsi  and  toes 
long ;  claws  strong,  curved.     General  form  short  and  compact. 

DiMEXSiONS. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  seven  inches;  wing, 
fo  "  inches ;  tail,  three  inches. 

Colors. — Adult  male.  Entire  plumage  black,  primaries  slightly 
tinged  and  edged  with  brown.     Bill,  tarsi,  and  toes  yellow. 

Had. — Samoan  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

A  single  specimen  of  this  bird  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 
It  is  apparently  in  perfectly  adult  plumage,  and  as  described  above,  is 
entirely  black.  The  figure  in  the  Atlas  to  the  Zoology  of  the  Voyage 
of  the  Astrolal  oems  to  represent  this  species  in  a  less  mature  stage 
of  plumage,  having  the  under  parts  more  tinged  with  brown,  and  the 
inferior  coverts  of  the  tail  with  lines  of  white.  In  other  characters 
and  in  general  appearance  the  bird  now  before  us  agrees  with  the  de- 
scription and  figure  alluded  to. 

The  bill  in  this  bird  is  remarkably  strong,  and  its  tarsi  more  dis- 
proportionately lengthened  than  is  usual  in  this  genus. 

It  is  stated  by  Mr.  Peale  to  have  been  obtained  near  the  village  of 
Alua,  in  the  interior  of  the  Island  of  Upolu,  on  the  fifth  of  November. 
According  to  him,  "  It  inhabits  the  shady  and  retired  parts  of  the 
forests  of  the  Samoan  Islands,  and  is  said  to  sing  with  a  powerful  and 
sweet  voice." 


INSESSORES.  159 

2.  Genus  MICROSCELIS,  Gray,  List,  of  Gen.  Birds,  p.  28  (1840). 
<  1-    MiCROSCELIS  TEISTIS    {Bhjth). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  VII,  fig.  4.     Adult. 

Numerous  specimens  of  this  species  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Ex- 
pedition, and  appear  to  have  been  obtained  at  Malacca.  We  have  no 
notes  relating  to  it,  nor  do  we  notice  anything  peculiar  in  the  speci- 
mens before  us. 

This  bird  is  given  in  our  plate  of  the  natural  size. 

[Z.  Genus  TATAllE,  Leswn,  Traite  d'Orn.  I,  p.  317  (1831). 

1.  Tatare  otaitiensis,  Lesson. 

Tatare  olaitioiKts,  Lesson,  Traite  d'Orn.  I,  p.  317  (1831). 
Sifta  ofatare,  Lesson,  Voy.  Coquille,  Zonlogie,  I,  p.  OGG  (1826). 
Tatare  fuscm,  A.  Lesson,  Rev.  Zool.  184'2,  p.  210. 
Turdus  sandicichciisis,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  813  (1788)  ? 

Voy.  Coquille,  Zool.  Plate  XXIII,  fig.  2. 

Of  this  bird,  now  well  known  as  an  inhabitant  of  the  Sandwich 
Islands,  numerous  specimens  are  in  the  collection.  These  vary  much 
in  colors,  and  the  general  characters  and  form  of  this  species  are  to 
us  quite  incongruous,  though  it  probably  belongs  to  the  family  of 
thru.'^hes. 

Respecting  this  species,  Mr.  Peale  remarks : 

"  We  obtained  specimens  of  this  variable  species  at  the  Paumotu 
Islands,  at  Tahiti,  at  the  Samoan  Islands,  at  Tongatabu,  and  sundry 
other  places  in  the  South  Pacific  Ocean.  It  is  the  most  widely  spread 
of  all  the  Polynesian  land  birds. 

"  The  most  usual  color  is  pale  bull'  beneath,  brown  wings  and  tail, 
the  feathers  of  the  latter  tipped  with  buff,  and  the  back  and  head 
mottled  with  brown  and  buff.  We  have  not  seen  any  two  specimens 
exactly  alike  j  they  vary  from  a  chocolate-brown  to  white ;  in  fact, 


ii& 


m 

«•'! 

■'♦■jSn 

■  m 

^  -4 

i£lS 

;-^- 


m 


160 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


they  vary  in  markings,  color,  and  size,  almost  as  much  as  domestic 
poultry,  but  their  sprightly  wren-like  actions  and  sweet  song  are  the 
same  in  all.  They  frequent  close  bushy  patches  of  vegetation,  and 
sometimes  reedy  marshes,  are  difficult  to  shoot,  unless  the  hunter  ex* 
cites  their  curiosity,  when  they  will  expose  themselves." 

The  specimens  now  before  us,  and  others  that  have  come  under  our 
notice,  fully  sustain  Mr.  Peale's  statement  respecting  the  variation  of 
the  colors  in  different  specimens  of  this  species.  Each  one  is  unlike 
the  others,  but  we  can  detect  no  specific  distinction  between  speci- 
mens from  the  various  localities  mentioned. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  abundant  of  the  birds  of  the  Pacific  Islands, 
and  inhabits  a  range  of  locality  unusually  extensive.  The  specimens 
in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  in  excellent  plumage  and  pre- 
servation. This  bird  is  well  represented  in  the  plate  of  the  Voyage 
of  the  Coquille,  above  cited. 


4.  Family  AMPELlDiE. 

1.  Genus  EOPSALTRIA,  Swains.  Cab.  Cy.  II,  p.  250  (1837). 

1.   EOPSALTBIA   FLAVIFRONS,  Bsale. 

EopsaUria  flavifrons,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Yincenncs,  Birds,  p.  96  (1st  edition, 
1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  X,  fig.  1. 

Fronie  Jlavo,  gutture  albo,  supra  oUvaceo-fusca,  siihtm  JUiva.  Lory.  tot.  6 
pollices.  ^ 

Form. — Larger  than  E.  australis  and  E.  griseogularis,  of  Australia. 
Bill  strong,  curved,  and  sharp  at  the  point,  distinctly  notched  near 
the  tip;  wing  rather  long,  fourth  and  fifth  quills  longest,  and  nearly 
equal ;  tail  moderate ;  tarsi  and  toes  rather  long  and  slender. 
General  form  compact  and  strong. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  six  inches;  wing,  three 
and  a  half  inches ;  tail,  two  and  a  half  inches. 


tNSESSORES. 


161 


Colors. — Male.  Front  (or  forehead)  yellow ;  throat  white.  Entire 
upper  parts  olive-brown,  tinged  with  yellow  on  the  back  and  rump ; 
quilla  and  tail  brown,  the  former  edged  externally  with  ashy,  and  some 
of  the  outer  feathers  of  the  latter  slightly  edged  with  yellow.  Under 
parts  (except  the  throat),  bright  yellow  ;  bill  and  feet  dark.  Inferior 
coverts  of  the  wing  yellowish-white ;  tibiaj  olive-brown,  many  of  the 
feathers  tipped  with  yellow. 

Has. — Samoan  Islands.    Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington  City. 

This  is  one  of  three  closely  allied  species  of  Eopaaltria,  of  which 
specimens  are  contained  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  and  were 
described  by  Mr.  Peale  in  the  first  edition  of  the  present  volume.  They 
present  the  typical  characters  of  this  genus,  though  larger,  and  with 
their  bills  more  strongly  developed  than  the  species  hitherto  known  as 
inhabiting  Australia,  though  resembling  them  in  general  appearance. 

In  allusion  to  the  present  species,  Mr.  Peale  observes  : 

"  This  is  quite  a  common  bird  in  the  bushy  grounds  in  the  Island 
of  Upolu ;  it  is  named  from  its  cry,  Vaasi-vassi,  which  it  utters  in  a 
clear  full-toned  whistle.  Its  general  appearance  and  habits  assimilate 
it  to  our  yellow-breasted  chat  {Pipra  polyglotta  of  Wilson),  but  is  not 
so  noisy  or  active." 

This  bird  is  given  in  our  plate,  above  cited,  of  the  size  of  life. 


'Mi 


2.   EOPSALTRIA  ICTEROIDES,  Piidle. 

Eopmltria  icterofdesy  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Vincennes,  Birds,  p.  97  (Ist  edition, 
1848). 

Eopmltria  diademala,  PuciiERAN,  Zool.  Voy.  Astrolabe  and  Zelee,  III,  p.  55  (1853). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  X,  fig.  3. 


»if.i 


r\i 


Fronte,  giiUure  et  corpore  euhtuaflavia;  supra  oUvaceo-fusca.     Long.  tot. 
6  polUces. 


Form. — Similar  to  the  immediately  preceding  species,  and  in  dimen- 
sions also  very  nearly  the  same. 

41 


162 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Colors. — Male.  Front  (or  forehead)  yellow ;  throat  and  entire  other 
under  parts  bright  yellow.  Entire  upper  parts  dark  olive-brown,  very 
similar  to  the  preceding  species,  but  in  the  specimen  before  ns,  not  so 
much  tinged  with  yellow  on  the  back  and  rump.  Inferior  coverts 
of  the  wing  yellowish-white  ;  tibiae  brown,  some  feathers  tipped  with 
yellow. 

Hab. — Samoan  Islands. — Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington  City. 

This  species  only  differs  from  the  preceding  in  having  the  throat 
yellow,  and  uniform  with  the  color  of  the  other  under  parts  of  the  body, 
instead  of  white.  In  all  other  respects  it  sufficiently  resembles  it  to 
be  regarded  as  specifically  the  same,  and  our  own  opinion  would  incline 
us  so  to  consider  it. 

Mr.  Peale  says  of  this  bird  : 

"  Killed  at  the  Samoan  or  Navigators  Islands,  with  the  last.  It  is 
considered  to  be  a  distinct  species  by  t!      :iatives." 

Our  figure  is  of  the  natural  size. 


3.    EOPSALTRIA   ALBIFRONS,  I^ule. 

Eopmltria  albi/roru,  Pkalg,  Zool.  Ezp.  Esp.  Vincenncs,  Birdfl,  p.  123  (1st  edition, 
1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  X,  fig.  2. 

Fronte  et  gutture  albie,  sttpra  oUvaceo-fasca,  subtue  flava.     Long.  tot.  6 
pollices. 

Form. — Very  similar  to  the  two  preceding  species,  but  apparently 
smaller. 


Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  five  and  a  half  inches ; 
wing,  three  and  one-fourth  inches ;  tail,  two  and  a  half  inches. 

Colors — Male.  Front  (or  forehead)  white  ;  throat  white.  Entire 
upper  parts  dark  olive-brown  ;  under  parts,  except  the  throat,  bright- 
yellow.   Much  resembling  in  color  generally  the  two  preceding  species. 

Had. — Samoan  Islands.    Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington  City. 


INSESSORES. 


163 


This  species  differs  from  both  of  the  preceding  in  having  the  fore- 
head white,  and  the  specimen  now  described  is  rather  smaller  than 
either  of  them.  If  measured,  however,  minutely,  or  by  tenths  or 
twelfths  of  an  inch,  each  one  of  the  three  specimens  now  before  us 
would  differ  from  the  othcrn,  but  not  to  an  extent  unusual  in  different 
specimens  of  the  same  species  in  many  families  of  birds.  We  much 
suspect  that  the  three  birds  now  described  as  distinct,  are  really  one 
and  the  same  species,  variable  perhaps  in  color,  like  some  other  species 
of  the  Pacific  Islands. 

Of  the  last  bird,  Mr.  Peale  remarks : 

"  Killed  at  the  Samoan  Islands,  where  it  frequents  bushy  grounds, 
like  the  Vassi-vasai,  but  is  not  so  common.  All  three  of  the  last-de- 
scribed  birds  are  closely  allied,  if  not  specifically  the  same,  but  as  they 
are  all  considered  to  be  different  species  bt/  the  natives,  who  generally 
have  a  very  correct  knowledge  of  the  products  of  their  islands,  and 
as  they  all  differ  in  plumage,  although  killed  in  the  same  season  (Oc- 
tober and  November),  we  have  thought  it  proper  to  present  them  to 
our  readers  as  we  found  them ;  expressing,  at  the  same  time,  our  sus- 
picions of  their  identity." 

This  bird  is  given  in  our  plate  of  the  natural  size. 


5.  Family  SYLVIADiE. 

1.  Genus  SAXICOLA,  Bechstein,  Orn.  Tasch.  p.  216  (1802). 

1.  Saxicola  oenantue  (Linn.). 

MolaciUa  oenanthe,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  332  (1706). 

Gould,  B.  of  Eur.  Plate  XC. 


Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  A  male  specimen,  in  beautiful  condition,  flew  on  board  the  U.  S. 
Ship  Pciicock,  on  the  19th  of  October,  in  latitude  6°  50'  N.,  longitude 
21°  38'  W.  of  Greenwich.  It  was  captured,  but  refusing  the  kind  of 
food  we  were  able  to  oft'or,  it  died  soon  afterwards." 

The  land  nearest  to  the  point  at  which  this  bird  was  captured  is  the 
coast  of  Africa. 


'I;..;'-' J, 


h 


'»■**> '•■J 

mm 


164 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


2.  O1NU8  SIALIA,  Swai'ni.  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  II,  p.  200  (1831). 

1.  SuuA  MEXiCANA,  Sivainson. — The  Wcatcrn  Bluebird. 

<Sii'a?io  ?nca;icana,  Swains.  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  Birds,  p.  202  (18.^1). 

Sidlia  occidental l»,  T0WN8KND,  Jour.  Acad,  I'hiluda.  VII,  p.  188  (1836). 

Siulia  caruleicoUin,  Via.  Zool.  Voy.  Blossom,  Orn.  p.  18  (1839). 

Voy.  Blossom,  Bird.s,  Plate  III;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCXCIII; 
oct.  ed.  II,  Plate  CXXXV. 

Mentioned  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  as  a  bird  of  Oregon, 
and  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  observed  to  be  common  at  various  points  in 
California.     Specimens  in  the  collection  are  from  the  former  country. 

The  name  above  given  we  have  no  doubt  is  applicable  to  the  bird 
now  before  us,  though  Swainson's  description  is  not  in  all  respects  satis- 
factory. We  have  no  doubt  either  that  all  the  names  above  are  syno- 
nymes. 


2.  SiALiA  ARCTiCA,  Swainson. — The  Northern  Bluebird. 

SiaUa  arctica,  SwAiNS.  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  Birds,  p.  209  (1831). 

Faun.  Bor.  Am.  Birds,  Plate  XXXIX;   Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCXVIIIj  oct.  ed.  II,  Plate  CXXXVI. 

Stated  by  Mr.  Peale  to  have  been  observed  in  Oregon,  and  to  in- 
habit "  the  western  coast  of  our  continent  generally." 


3.  Genus  PETROICA,  iSwainion,  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  II,  p.  202  (1837). 
1.  Petboica  pusilla,  Rale. 

Petroiea  pu$illa,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  VincenneS;  Birds,  p.  93  (let  ed.  1848). 
Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  IX,  fig.  4.     Adult. 


INSE880RES. 


165 


Supra  ef  guthire  fusco-nijra,  pevtore  et  aJiilomine  phoemcels,  ahdomtne 
imo  cum  criseis  aline.     Lotnj.  tot,  3  %  jKillicee, 

Form. — Typical,  small ;  wing  with  the  third  and  fourth  quills  longest. 

Dimensions  (of  skin). — Total  length  about  three  and  three-fourths 
inches ;  wing,  two  and  a  half  inches ;  tail,  one  and  a  half  inches. 

Colors. — Small  frontal  spot,  white.  Throat,  head  above,  and  entire 
other  upper  parts,  brownish-black ;  terminal  half  of  the  greater  coverts 
of  the  wing  white,  forming  a  wide  bar  running  obliquely  across  the 
wing.  Breast  and  abdomen  scarlet,  paler  on  the  latter.  Flanks,  ven- 
tral region,  and  under  coverts  of  the  tail,  white ;  quills  and  tail-feathers 
brownish-black,  the  two  external  on  each  side  of  the  latter  marked 
longitudinally  with  white ;  bill  dark ;  tarsi  light. 

Had. — Samoan  Islands.    Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington  City. 

A  small  species  much  resembling  in  colors  and  general  characters 
Petroica  multicolor  (which  appears  to  be  the  same  as  P.  eri/fJtroi/tisfnf, 
Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  Ill,  Plate  4).  It  is,  however,  smaller,  and  in  the 
specimen  now  described,  the  white  space  on  the  forehead  is  much  more 
limited  than  in  any  specimen  of  P.  multicolor  that  has  come  under  our 
observation. 

This  species  is  noticed  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  as  hav- 
ing been  observed  only  at  the  Samoan  Islands.  It  is  one  of  the  hand- 
somest as  well  as  smallest  of  its  genus. 

The  present  bird,  according  to  Mr.  Peale,  "  is  not  uncommon  at  the 
Samoan  Islands,  particularly  at  Upolu,  where  it  frequents  the  under- 
growth in  thick  shady  forests,  exhibiting  most  of  the  habits  of  fly- 
catchers." 


4.  Genus  LEUCOCERCA,  Stcamson,  Bonap.  Consp.  Av.  p.  823. 
1.  Leucocerca  Lessoni  {Gray). 

Rh'pidura  Leisoni,  Gray,  Genera  of  Birds,  I,  p.  258  (1846). 

JUonarcha  cinerea,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Vincennes,  Birds,  p.  101  (Ist  ed.  1848).* 

*  "  Head,  back,  and  wings  cinereous,  beneath  lighter ;  brow,  eyelids,  throat,  and 

42 


IQQ  ORNITHOLOGY. 

Voy.  Astrolabe  and  Zelee,  Ois.  Plate  XI,  fig.  2. 

Form. — Bill  straight ;  upper  mandible  curved  at  the  tip  and  distinctly 
r^otched  ;  several  pairs  of  ihort  weak  bristles  at  the  base. 

Dimensions  (of  skin). — Female.  Total  Icagth,  about  five  inches; 
wing,  two  and  a  half  inches;  tail,  two  and  a  half  inches. 

Colors. — Ring  encircling  the  eye  and  space  before  it  (or  lores)  white, 
which  is  also  the  color  of  the  entire  under  parts  of  the  body  and  tips 
of  the  tail-feathers,  tinged  with  cinereous  on  the  breast,  most  clear  on 
the  abdomen,  under  coverts  of  the  tail,  and  tips  of  tail-feathers. 

Entire  upper  parts  cinereous,  except  the  superior  coverts  of  the  tail, 
which  are  black,  tipped  with  white ;  quills  ashy-brown ;  tail  black, 
with  all  its  feathers  except  the  central  two  tipped  with  white.  Under 
coverts  of  the  wing  white.     Bill  and  feet  pale  Miiish. 

Hab. — Feejee  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington  City. 

The  only  specimen  of  this  little-known  bird  in  the  collection,  and 
which  is  described  above,  is  marked  as  a  female,  but  is  almost  pre- 
cisely in  form  and  color  as  is  represented  in  the  Zoological  Atlas  to 
the  Voyage  of  the  Astrolabe  and  Zel<ie,  above  cited. 

In  color,  this  species  shows  an  affinity  to  the  American  fly-catchers 
of  the  genus  GuUcivora,  but  it  wants  the  long  tail  which  is  one  of  the 
characters  of  all  the  species  of  the  latter.  It  appears  to  have  been 
observed  only  at  the  Feejee  Islands. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale,  this  specimen  was  killed,  on  the  thirtieth 
of  May,  near  Bahr,  in  the  Island  of  Viti-levu,  one  of  the  Feejees. 

middle  of  the  abdomen  white ;  tail  rounded,  consiating  of  twelve  bliick  fenthers,  all  but 
the  two  in  the  middle  tipped  with  white,  the  white  tips  increasing  in  size  from  the  middle 
outwards ;  irides  blue-black  ;  bill  and  legs  pale  blue. 

"Total  length,  four  and  seven-eighths  inches;  extentof  wings,  seven  and  three-eighths 
inches;  wings,  from  the  carpal  joint,  two  and  seven-tenths  inches;  bill,  four-tenths  of 
an  inch  ;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  sis-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  tarsi,  seven-tenths  of  an  inch ; 
middle  toe,  including  the  claw,  half  an  inch  ;  claw,  three-twentieth?  of  an  inch ;  hind 
toe,  >  .ne-twcntieths  of  an  inch;  nail,  two-tenths  of  an  inch.     Female." 


''H. 


m 


INSESSORES.  167 


6.  Genus  ZOSTEROPS,  Viij.  and  Bon/.  Trans.  Linn.  Soo.  London, 
XV,  p.  234  (1825). 

1.    ZoSTEROPS  FLAVICEPS,  Biale. 
Zoiterops  Jlavkepi,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  95  (Ist  ed.  1848). 
Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  X,  fig.  4.     Adult? 

Capite  flavescenti-vlridi,  (jutlure  fiavo,  8npra  cinereay  suhtm  cinerascenti 
alba.     Rtfert  Z.  dorsalem.     Long.  tot.  4i  itollicea. 

Form. — Much  resembling  that  of  Z.  dorsalis  and  others  of  this  genus. 
Bill  rather  long ;  wing  moderate,  second  quill  slightly  longest ;  tail 
moderate  or  rather  short ;  legs  slender ;  clawt  curved,  rather  large. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  four  and  a  half  inches;  v^\\g^ 
two  and  a  half  inches ;  tail,  one  and  three-fourths  of  an  inch.  "  Tota! 
length,  five  and  one-tenth  inches  ;  extent  of  wings,  seven  and  a  uulf 
inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  two  and  six-tenths  inches" 
(Peale). 

Colors. — Head  above  yellowish-green,  lighter  in  front;  throat  yel- 
low, tinged  slightly  with  greenish.  Back  cinereous ;  rump,  wing- 
coverts,  and  outer  odges  of  quills  greenish-yellow,  nearly  uniform  with 
the  head.  A  circle  of  white  around  the  eye;  space  in  front  of  ii,,  or 
lores,  dark,  nearly  black. 

Breast  and  abdomen  ashy-white,  darker  on  the  sides  and  inclined 
to  pure  white  in  the  middle ;  under  coverts  of  the  tail  pale  yellow. 
Quills  light-brown,  narrowly  edged  with  white  on  their  inner  webs, 
and  with  greenish-yellow  on  their  outer ;  tail-feathers  light-brown, 
edged  on  their  outer  webs  with  greenish-yellow.  Bill  and  tarsi  light- 
colored  (in  skin).  "Bill  and  legs  pale  brownish-blue;  irides  light- 
brown"  (Peale). 

Hah.— Feejee  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington  City. 

The  investigation  of  this  species  by  us,  is  one  of  the  instances  which 


I6d 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


have  repeatedly  occurred  in  the  course  of  our  examination  of  the  pre- 
sent collection,  in  which  we  have  been  under  the  necessity  of  deciding 
on  the  claims  of  a  real  or  supposed  species  very  nearly  allied  to  another, 
without  a  sufficient  number  of  specimens  to  warrant  that  our  decision 
shall  be  either  reliable  or  satisfactory  even  to  ourselves.  This  bird 
is  nearly  related  to  the  well-known  Zosteropa  dormlis,  of  Australia,  and 
is  about  the  same  size.  It  has  the  same  cinereous  back,  and  a  very 
similar  general  distribution  of  colors,  but  the  yellow  of  the  throat  is 
more  strongly  marked  and  occupies  a  larger  space ;  the  head  above  is 
of  a  lighter  shade  of  yellowish-green,  and  in  the  only  specimen  of  the 
present  bird  in  the  collection,  there  is  but  a  faint  tinge  of  the  light- 
brown  on  the  flanks  so  strongly  marking  Z.  dorsalie.  W^  regard  these, 
however,  as  but  slender  grounds  for  the  establishment  of  a  species, 
especially  in  this,  as  it  appears  to  us,  intricate  and  difficult  genus. 

The  specimen  before  us,  according  to  Mr.  Peale,  "  was  killed  in  a 
grove  of  Caeuarina  trees,  at  Venua  Levu,  one  of  the  Feejee  Islands, 
on  the  fifteenth  of  June." 


i 


3.  TiuBE  TENUmOSTRES. 

1.  Genus  MOHO,  Lesson,  Traitfe  d'Orn.  I,  p.  302  (1831). 

1.    MOHO   ANGUSTIPLUMA    (Jhiale). 
Entomiza  angmtlplumu ,  I'eale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  147  ( 1848), 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XI,  fig.  1.     Adult? 

Supra  fusca  lineis  JongiHuUnalihufi  alhis,  gviture  Jiaveecenii-alho,  2t^tore 
ef  (iMomine  albis,  fimv  Uiieat'iH,  crifntin  ruJiH,  alio  et  cuuda /tu/cis,  linea 
subocuhtri  nigra.     Lung,  tot.  13i  poUices. 

F()R^f. — Rather  slender ;  bill  curved ;  wings  rather  long,  with  the  fourth 
and  filth  primaries  longest  and  nearly  equal;  tail  long,  wedge-shaped, 
the  two  central  feathers  exceeding  the  others  ;  legs  and  feet  strong; 
plumage  of  the  head,  neck,  and  breast,  with  the  webs  of  the  feathers 
composed  of  few  filaments,  and  presenting  an  open  or  skeleton-like 
texture ;  many  feathers  of  the  throat  terminated  with  bristles. 


v.- 


INSESSORES. 


169 


Colors. — Head  and  neck  above  dark  brown,  every  feather  having 
a  longitudinal  central  stripe  of  dull  white,  tinged  with  greenish-yellow 
on  the  latter.  Other  upper  parts,  including  wings  and  tail,  brown ; 
on  the  back  with  longitudinal  stripes  of  white ;  quills  and  tail-feathers 
edged  with  olive-green  on  their  outer  webs ;  rump  tinged  with  olive. 
Wide  stripe,  from  the  base  of  the  bill  under  the  eye,  ending  in  a  large 
spot  on  the  cheek,  black.  Throat  dull  white,  tinged  with  yellow; 
breast  and  abdomen  dull  white,  every  feather  margined  with  brown ; 
flanks  and  under  tail-coverts  dark  rufous;  bill  and  legs  dark. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  thirteen  and  a  half  inches; 
wing,  six  inches ;  tail,  six  and  a  hr^lf  Inche? ;  bill,  from  the  anyle  of 
the  mouth,  one  and  three-fourths  inches ;  tarsus,  about  one  and  three- 
fourths  inches. 

Hab. — Island  of  Hawaii.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

Though  we  suspect  that  the  bird  above  described  is  not  in  mature 
plumage,  it  appears  to  be  a  distinct  species  of  the  genus  Moho,  Lesson, 
of  which  the  only  species  heretofore  known  are  Moho  nohills  (Merrem), 
and  probably  the  bird  described  as  Certhia  pacifica,  Gmelin,  Syst.  Nat. ' 
I,  p.  470  (Vieill.  and  Aud.  Ois.  Dor.  Plate  LXIII),  and  Moho  hraccofa, 
Cassin.  It  does  not  appear  to  belong  to  the  genus  Stricjiccps,  Less. 
Rev.  Zool.  1840,  p.  2C6,  tliough  evidently  related  to  it. 

The  feathers  of  the  head  and  breast  in  this  bird  present  a  remark- 
able character  on  account  of  the  filaments  composing  the  webs  of  the 
feathers  being  unusually  few  in  number,  and  at  such  a  distance  from 
each  other  as  not  to  touch,  nor  become  adherent.  This  structure  of 
the  feathers  gives  to  the  plumage  of  the  parts  mentioned,  a  somewhat 
hairy  appearance,  and  prevails  also,  in  some  measure,  on  the  abdomen 
and  other  under  parts  of  tiie  body.  Many  of  the  feathers  on  the 
throat  and  neck  in  front  terminate  in  bristles  curved  outwardly,  and 
readily  discernible  on  viewing  the  specimen  in  profile. 

Respecting  this  curious  bird,  Mr.  Peale's  remarks  are  as  follows : 

"  This  rare  species  was  obtained  at  the  Island  of  Hawaii.  It  is  very 
active  and  graceful  in  its  motions,  frequents  the  woody  districts,  and 
is  disposed  to  be  musical,  having  most  of  the  habits  of  a  MeVq)haga  ; 
it  is  generally  fount'  about  those  trees  which  are  in  flower." 


— ^S 


170 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Dr.  Pickering  mentions  having  seen  this  species  "  alighting  in  the 
tops  of  the  trees  and  uttering  a  loud  chuck." 

We  regard  this  bird  as  one  of  the  most  interesting  of  the  ornitholo- 
gical discoveries  of  the  Expedition,  and  much  regret  to  find  a  single 
specimen  only  in  the  collection.  It  is  represented,  in  our  plate  above 
cited,  of  the  size  of  life. 


2.  MoHO  NOBiLis  {Merrem). 

Gracula  nnhid's,  Merr.  Beyt.  zur.  Besond.  Gesoh.  der  Viigel,  p.  8/  Plate  II  (1784, 
name  on  plate). 

^f,'rops  niijer,  Gm.  Syat.  Nat.  I,  465  (1788). 

Merops /uscictilatui,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  I,  p.  275  (1790). 

Epimachut  pacificui,  LiCHT. 

Temra.  PI.  Col.  471.  Reichenbach,  Volst.  Naturg.  Birds,  Plate 
DCIV,  fig.  4098. 

The  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  availed  themselves  of  the  oppor- 
tunity presented  to  them  of  making  some  interesting  observations  on 
this  singular  bird,  and  in  the  collection  we  find  several  fine  specimens. 
Though  apparently  not  very  common  in  Museums,  it  is  so  well  known 
to  ornithologists  that  we  have  not  deemed  it  necessary  to  append  a 
detailed  description.  We  may  be  allowed  to  observe,  though,  that  it 
is  not  without  some  degree  of  repugnance  that  we  adopt  the  generic 
name  Muho,  which  is  that  having  priority  of  several  others.  Names 
so  singularly  barbarous  and  in  such  bad  taste  ought  scarcely  to  be 
tolerated,  even  on  the  ground  of  priority. 

This  bird,  the  general  plumage  of  which  is  deep  glossy  black,  has  a 
curious  tuft  of  yellow  feathers  on  each  side  near  the  shoulder,  which 
was  formerly  highly  valued  by  the  Hawaiians,  as  has  been  related  by 
various  naturalists  and  voyagers,  and  as  we  find  in  the  following  ob- 
servations by  Mr.  Peale : 

"  The  yellow  tufts  of  costal  feathers  in  this  beautiful  bird  furnished 
the  material  for  the  splendid  and  costly  royal  robes,  capes,  and  *  lei's' 
of  the  Hawaiians  in  former  days.  The  bunches  of  feathers,  called 
hulu,  represented  in  the  wood-cut  at  the  end  of  this  article,  are  still 


INSESSOBES. 


171 


prepared  and  received  in  payment  of  a  poll-tax  to  the  king ;  they  are 
afterwards  made  up  principally  in  '  leiV  or  head-bands  worn  by  the 
ladies,  and  are  beautiful  but  costly  ornaments ;  but  few  can  affi)rd  to 
wear  them.  The  mantles  made  of  these  feathers  were,  until  lately, 
considered  the  principal  treasures  of  the  crown ;  now  they  are  not  to 
be  seen ;  the  labor  of  collecting  the  feathers  and  attaching  them  to  a 
network  base,  a  labor  of  years,  being  too  great.  European  clothing 
has  entirely  superseded  the  former  robes  of  state. 

"  The  '  Oo'  is  found  in  most  of  the  woody  districts  of  the  Island  of 
Hawaii ;  it  frequents  the  thick  foliage  of  the  loftiest  trees  ;  in  voice  and 
mann^irs  it  has  some  resemblance  to  the  Oriole  of  North  America 
(Icterus  RiUimore).  The  natives  capture  it  by  means  of  birdlime, 
and  after  plucking  the  yellow  feathers  from  beneath  the  wings,  restore 
it  to  liberty,  until  again  wanted  to  assist  in  paying  the  royal  tax. 

"Another  bird  is  called  Oo  by  the  natives;  it  is  the  Certhia  pacifica 
of  Latham,  and  is  found  in  the  Island  of  Kauai,  one  of  the  same 
group.  It  also  has  tufts  of  yellow  feathers  which  have  been  collected 
for  the  same  purpose  in  former  days;  in  it,  the  yellow  feathers  are  on 
the  thighs,  not  on  the  sides  as  in  the  genuine  Oo ;  they  are  smaller, 
much  inferior  in  beautiful  texture,  and  are  no  longer  collected.  Both 
species  are  black.  We  killed  specimens  at  Hanalei,  a  department  of 
the  Island  of  Kauai,  where  they  are  found  in  the  woody  districts  on 
the  mountains." 

In  Dr.  Pickering's  notes,  we  find  this  species  frequently  mentioned 
as  occurring  in  difierent  parts  of  the  Island  of  Hawaii,  and  especially 
in  the  following : 

"  Near  the  upper  margin  of  the  forest  of  Mauna  l-Cea,  this  bird  was 
commonly  to  be  met  with,  and  flew  high,  somewhat  in  the  manner  of 
the  Boat-tailed  Grakle  of  the  United  States.  Its  note  was  a  loud  cJiuck, 
repeated  two  or  tljree  times,  and  in  its  habits  it  reminded  me  of  the 
Poi-bird  of  New  Zealand.  In  mature  specimens,  the  middle  feathers 
of  the  tail  are  twisted  spirally  at  their  ends,  and  are  considerably  longer 
than  the  others." 

Tliough  we  are  not  disposed  to  regard  the  native  names  of  avfiuials 
as  entitled  to  much  consideration,  we  may  be  allowed  to  observe  that 
the  name  of  this  bird  must  sound  quite  differently  to  different  persons. 
Mr.  Peale,  as  above,  is  quite  confident  that  it  is  Oo,  which  we  should 
pronounce  simply  as  double  o.  Mr  Bloxham,  in  his  Appendix  on  the 
Natural  History  of  the  Sandwich  Islands,  in  the  Voyage  of  the  Blonde, 


^1 

■.f 

■    1^* 

r 

w 

'^■y\ 

'  ( 

;4,| 

% 

)#»l 

>^ 

U 

'5r 

I 

■-.   H 

;■■ 

V^', 

'  ">'%. 

.-,-lll 

"» 

l\lj 


4" '♦4 


:;^ .  !^-* 


172 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


p.  249  (London,  1826,  quarto),  says  that  it  is  "  Uho"  while  M.  Le&i 
son  appears  to  have  derived  his  generic  designation  from  the  same 
native  name,  and  makes  \\  "  Moho."  These  names  are  of  no  zoological 
or  other  importance  whatever,  and  are  not  worth  mentioning,  except 
to  show  that  there  is  no  reliance  whatever  to  be  placed  in  them.  The 
other  species,  which,  according  to  Mr.  Peale,  is  also  known  to  the 
natives  by  the  name  of  Oo,  M.  Lesson  calls  "  Hoho."  We  do  not  agree 
with  Mr.  Peale  in  the  supposition  that  this  second  species  mentioned 
by  him  is  Certhia  paciftca,  Gra.  It  is  Mohoa  hraccata,  Cassin,  Proc. 
Acad.  Philadelphia,  VII,  p.  440  (1855),  described  by  us  from  a  speci- 
men brought  by  Dr.  Townsend,  now  in  the  Museum  of  the  Philadel- 
phia Academy. 


THE    IIOVAL    TAX    OF    TUB    SANDWICH    tSLANOB. 


2.  Genus  LEPTORNIS,  Jac  et.  Purh.  Zool.  Voy.  Astrolabe  and  Zelee, 

Ois.  p.  85  (1853). 

1.  Leptornis  SAMOENSis  (/7o»i6.  an</ /«c.). 


Mn-op*  samofntis,  Homb.  et  Jac.  Ann.  des  Sci.  Nat.  Paris,  1841,  p.  314. 
Enlumiza  olivacta,  1'eai.e,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  145  (1H48). 
Leptornit  tylvulrit,  Jac.  et  PuCH.  Zool.  Voy.  Ant.  et  Zel.  Ois.  p.  86  (1863). 

Voy.  Ast.  and  Zel.  Birds,  Plate  XVII,  fig.  1. 


IN8E3SOBES. 


173 


Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XI,  fig.  2.    Adult. 


Mr.  Peale  observes  ■with  refei-ence  to  this  species : 

"  This  is  a  very  active  and  noisy  bird,  commonly  found  amongst  the 
blossoms  of  the  cocoa  trees  in  the  Samoan  Islands ;  we  sometimes  saw 
it  eating  ripe  bananas.  The  two  sexes  are  alike  in  plumage ;  the 
female  is  somewhat  more  delicate  in  form  than  the  male,  and  perhaps 
not  so  noisy. 

"  We  saw  it  in  all  the  islands  of  the  Samoan  Group ;  at  Upolu  and 
Tutuila,  it  was  most  plentiful." 

Several  specimens  of  this  bird,  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition, 
vary 'but  little  from  each  other,  and  present  no  characters  different 
from  those  given  by  the  authors  above  cited,  and  represented  in  their 
plate,  to  which  we  have  referred.  It  is  a  large  and  robustly  organized 
species,  with  the  bill  and  legs  unusually  .strong  and  lengthened.  Sexes 
similar. 

So  far  OS  our  judgment  goes,  this  bird  is  Meropa  samoends,  as  de- 
scribed in  the  Ann.  den  Sci.  Nat.,  as  above  cited,  but  that  name  is 
omitted  in  the  volume  of  the  Zoology  of  the  Voyage  of  the  Astrolabe 
and  Zel^e,  above  referred  to,  though  published  under  the  auspic-  ind 
editorship  of  Messrs.  Hombron  and  Jacquinot  themselves.  We  regard 
Mevopa  eamoeneis,  Homb.  and  Jac,  as  identical  with  Lejytornis  sylvestris, 
Jac.  aud  Puch.,  though  these  distinguished  authors  and  voyagers  have 
not  recognized  this  identity,  or  the  latter  have  accidentally  overlooked 
the  description  by  the  former,  both  having  reference  to  the  same  spe- 
cimens. 

Our  figure  is  of  the  natural  size. 


3.  Genus  PTILOTIS,  Swainson,  Cab.  Cy.  II,  p.  326  (1837). 
1.  Ptilotis  carunculata  {Gineliu). 

Ccrthia  carunculata,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  472  (1788). 

Aud.  &  Vieill.  Oi.H.  Dor.  Plate  LIX,  LXX. 

Form. — Bill  long,  curved ;  a  bare  space  and  somewhat  projecting  ca- 
runcle posterior  to  and  in  a  line  with  the  base  of  the  lower  man- 
dible j  aperture  and  nifmbrane  of  the  nostril  largo;  wing  rather 

44 


!      -Li 


i 


^■M 


■in 


mmmmmmm^ 


^^^ 


174 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


long ;  first  quill  rudimentary ;  fourth  longest ;  tail  rather  long ;  legs 
strong ;  tarsus  long ;  toes  moderate ;  claws  large. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  seven  and  three-fourths 
inches ;  wing,  four  and  one-fourth  inches ;  tail,  three  and  a  half  inches  ; 
tarsus,  one  and  one-fourth  inches.  "  Total  length,  eight  and  three- 
fourths  inches  j  extent  of  wings,  twelve  inches."  (Mr.  Peale.) 

Colors. — Bare  space  and  caruncle  orange ;  a  narrow  edging  on  the 
first  feathers  above,  forming  a  line  to  the  corner  of  the  mouth,  and  a 
large  spot  immediately  posterior  to  which  is  pale  yellow.^  Anterior  to 
and  below  the  bare  space  greenish-black. 

Entire  upper  plumage  dark  olive,  tinged  with  yellow  ;  below,  green- 
ish-yellow, tinged  with  ashy ;  quills  and  tail-feathers  brown,  edged 
with  greenish-yellow.  Bill  dark  ;  "  irides  brown  ;  legs  dusky  green ; 
tongue  terminating  in  a  corneous  brush.     Male."  (Mr.  Peale.) 

Hab. — Feejee,  Samoan,  and  Tonga  Islands.  Specimen  in  Nat. 
Mus.  Washington. 

Specimens  of  this  bird  from  various  islands  are  in  the  collection, 
and  differ  from  each  other  only  in  minute  and  scarcely  observable 
points.  Though  a  rare  species  in  collections,  and  little  known  to  orni- 
thologists, it  appears  to  be  abundant  in  the  islands  that  it  inhabits. 

This  bird  belongs  to  the  genus  Plilutis,  and  in  general  appearance 
very  considerably  resembles  Pt'ilotis  maculafa,  Temm.  PI.  Col.  IV,  PI. 
XXIX,  fig.  1,  but  is  much  larger,  avid  also  Ptilotla  chrysotis  (Lath.), 
Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  IV,  PI.  XXXII. 

The  naturalists  of  the  Expedition,  according  to  Mr.  Peale,  "  found 
this  bird  to  be  quite  common  at  Tongatabu,  the  Samoan,  and  Feejee 
Islands.  They  are  very  active,  and  tlirush-like  in  their  actions,  fre- 
quent the  brush  along  the  woody  shores  of  the  islands,  and  sing  very 
sweetly. 

"  The  females  are  a  trifle  less  in  size  than  the  males,  have  the  wattle 
less  developed,  and  the  yellow  line  above  it  less  conspicuous ;  but  in 
other  respects  they  resemble  each  other,  even  in  garrulity." 

Mr.  Peale  states  that  this  species  is  called  E-yow  by  the  Samoans, 
and  Foulehaio  by  the  Tonga  Islanders. 


IN8E880BES.  176 


4.  Gknvs  PROSTHEMADERA,  Gray,  List.  Gen.  Birds,  p.  15  (1840). 
1.  Prosthemadeba  novae-seelandiae  {Omelin), 

Merops  novae-ttelandiae,  Gm.  Sjst.  Nat.  I,  p.  464  (1788). 
Merops  cincinnata,  Lath.  Ind.  I,  p.  276  (1790). 
Stumus  criq)icollU,  Dauoin. 

Brown,  111.  Zool.  Plate  IX ;  Le  Vaill.  Ois.  d'Af.  II,  Plate  XCII. 

Dr.  Pickering  gives  the  following  interesting  note  on  this  species  : 
"  The  tui,  called  also  the  po^  and  parson-bird,  in  allusion  to  the 
white  feathers  under  the  throat  resembling  the  bands  of  a  clergyman's 
gown,  is  the  nightingale  of  New  Zealand.  It  is  often  kept  in  cages, 
and  is  a  great  favorite.  Its  proper  song  is  sweet  and  musical ;  but 
this  we  did  not  often  hear.  In  its  wild  state,  we  usually  saw  it  perch- 
ing high  among  the  dead  trees  about  the  margins  of  woods,  its  note 
much  resembling  that  of  a  Samoan  species,  but  louder.  At  other 
times  it  would  utter  a  sort  of  trumpet  cry,  that  could  hardly  be  called 
musical.  It  appears  to  be  easily  domesticated,  and  would  be  valued 
highly  as  a  cage-bird  in  any  country,  and  probably  could  be  easily 
transported." 


5.  Gends  MYZOMELA,  Vi'ij.  and  Horn/.  Trans.  Linn.  Soo.  London, 
XV,  p.  316  (1825). 

1.  Myzomela  nigriventris,  Peak. 

Myzomela  nigriventris,  Peaie,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  150  (1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XII,  fig.  1.    Adult. 

Capite,  colh,  pectore  et  nropygio  phoeniceis,  macula  ante  oculari  nigra, 
partibus  cueterie  nigria.     Long.  tot.  4  J  polUcea. 

General  form  similar  to  those  of  M.  erythrocephala  (Gould),  and  M.  ru- 
bratra  (Lesson),  but  is  larger  than  the  former  and  smaller  than  the 
latter.  Wings  and  tail  rather  long,  the  latter  rounded.  Head,  neck, 
breast,  middle  of  the  back,  and  rump,  fine  bright  icarlet ;  spot  im- 


*""  ^'^^i^m- 


176 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


mediately  in  front  of  the  eye  black ;  all  other  parts  above  and  below 
rich  brownish-black ;  bill  and  feet  black,  the  latter  yellow  beneath ; 
iris  brown. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  four  and  a  half  inches  ;  wing, 
two  and  three-fourths  inches ;  tail,  one  and  three-fourths  inches. 

Hab. — Samoan  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

A  beautiful  little  species,  considerably  resembling  Myzomela  ruhratra 
(Lesson),  Cinm/ria  ruhraicr,  Less.  Manuel,  II,  p.  65,  but  is  smaller 
and  has  the  bill  more  curved.  In  that  species,  the  scarlet  is  continued 
on  to  the  abdomen ;  in  the  present  it  is  abruptly  terminated  on  the 
breast,  and  the  remaining  under  parts  are  of  the  same  brownish-black 
as  the  wings  and  tail.  The  colors  of  this  bird  more  resemble  those  of 
M.  erythrocephala,  Gould,  but  it  is  considerably  larger. 

Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"In  the  dark  and  thick  forests  of  the  Samoan  Islands,  where  this 
bird  is  not  uncommon,  its  beautiful  scarlet  and  black  plumage  renders 
it  a  conspicuous  object.  It  is  seldom  seen  in  the  open  or  cultivated 
grounds,  or  near  the  habitations  of  men ;  in  this  respect  differing  from 
most  of  its  congeners." 

Several  specimens  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition.  The 
sexes  present  no  difforence. 

Our  figure  of  this  little  bird  is  of  the  natural  size. 


2.  Myzomela  jugularis,  Ptale. 

Myzomela  jtigularit,  Peale,  ZooI.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  150  (1848);  Zool.  Voy. 
AHtrokbe  and  Zelee,  Ois.  PI.  XXII,  fig.  6. 

JUj/zomela  solitaria,  Jac.  ot  PucH.  Zool.  Voy.  Ast.  ct  Zel.  Ois.  p.  09  (1853). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XII,  fig.  2.    Adult  ? 

Supra  /aficc8centi-nigra,  gutture  phoeniceo,  pectore  fiavo,  abdomine  alho. 
Long.  tot.  4:  polUces. 

About  the  size  of  the  preceding  or  rather  smaller ;  bill  curved  ;  nasal 
aperture  large;   wings  long;   tail  rather  short,  rounded.    Entire 


\m 


1NSESS0BE8. 


177 


upper  parts  brownish-black,  darkest  on  the  head  ;  occipital  spot  and 
another  on  the  throat  at  the  base  of  the  under  mandible  fine  scarlet ; 
neck  before,  and  breast  yellow,  which  color  fades  gradually  into  the 
white  of  the  abdomen  and  under  tail-coverts.  Wing-coverts  tipped 
with  white ;  quills  edged  on  their  outer  webs  with 'greenish-yellow, 
and  on  their  inner  webs  with  white ;  tail  brownish-black,  tipped 
with  white.     Bill  dark  ;  feet  light;  iris  dark-brown. 


Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  four  inches;  wing,  two 
and  a  half  inches  ;  tail,  one  and  a  half  inches. 

Had. — Feejee  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

A  very  handsome  little  species,  resembling  in  a  measure  several 
species  of  Cinnyria,  Cuvier,  though  in  the  specimens  belonging  to  the 
collection  of  the  Expedition,  there  is  no  metallic  lustre  on  any  part  of 
the  plumage. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale,  this  bird  inhabits  the  Feejee  Islands : 

"  We  never  saw  it  in  any  other  situation  than  amongst  the  cocoa- 
nuts  and  flowers;  nectar  and  insects  collected  in  the  flowers  appear  to 
constitute  its  principal  food.  Its  voice  is  weak  and  not  remarkable, 
and  as  it  is  solitary  and  habitually  lives  amongst  the  lofty  cocoanut 
trees,  it  is  seldom  observed." 

This  interesting  bird  belongs  apparently  to  an  aberrant  group  of 
this  genus,  which  includes  Myzomela  pectoralis,  M.  nigra,  Gould,  and 
other  species.  In  our  plate  above  cited,  it  is  represented  of  the  natu- 
ral size. 


lis 


6.  Genus  DREPANIS,  Tcmminck. 

1.  Drepanis  coccinea  {Merrem). 

MeUmtga  coccinea,  Merr.  Beyt.  Bes.  Gesch.  Vbgel,  p.  17,  PI.  IV  (1784,  name  on 
plate). 

Cerlhia  coccinea,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  282  (1788). 

Ciithi'a  vesliaria,  Lato.  Ind.  Orn.  I,  p.  282  (1790).  , 

Slu'.w,  Nat.  Misc.  Ill,  Plate  LXXV;  VieiU.  Ois.  Dor.  Plate  LII, 
Llil. 

46 


18^, 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


1.1 


UiE2^    §15 

■JO    ^^"       ■■■ 

■tt  liiii    122 

2.0 


m 

lU 
u 


IL25  HI  1.4 


Ii4 


Hi0t!ogra[diic 

Sciences 

Corporalion 


^ 


rO^ 


\ 


S> 


V 


V3  iVUT  MAIN  STRHT 
wnSTIR.N.V.  MStO 


178 


ORNITHOLOOT. 


This  beautiful  little  species  appears  to  be  one  of  the  most  abundant  of 
the  birds  inhabiting  the  Hawaiian  Islands,  and  is  perhaps  the  most  fre- 
quently met  with  in  ornithological  collections.  Several  specimens  in 
excellent  plu4nac;3  were  obtained  by  the  naturalists  of  ^he  Expedition, 
and  are  now  in  the  collection. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  respecting  this  bird  : 

''  This  curious  and  highly  colored  bird  is  found  inhabiting  most  of 
the  Hawaiian  group  of  islands,  where  it  is  one  of  the  most  common 
species.  At  Oahu,  we  found  them  generally  about  the  gigantic  ZoJe- 
lias  which  characterize  the  botany  of  that  island.  They  extract  their 
food  from  the  flowers  of  the  Lobelia,  for  which  the  singularly  formed 
bill  is  admirably  adapted.  The  red  feathers  of  this'  species  were 
usually  selected  for  the  ornamental  figures  on  the  capes  and  robes  of 
the  ancient  Hawaiians,  but,  by  reason  of  their  abundance,  were  not  so 
highly  valued  as  those  of  the  Oo." 


7.  Genus  HEMIGNATHUS,  Lkhtenttein. 

1.  Hemignathus?  obscurus  {Gmelin). 
Certhia  obicura,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  470  (1788).  ' 

Aud.  and  Vieill.  Ois.  Dor.  II,  PI.  LIII ;  Lath.  Gen.  Syn.  I,  PI. 
XXXIII,  fig.  1. 

A  single  specimen,  and  the  only  one  that  we  have  ever  seen  which 
is  clearly  the  species  described  and  figured  by  the  authors  above 
referred  to,  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition.  Though  with  a 
long,  gradually  curved  bill,  more  as  represented  in  the  plate  of  Aud. 
and  Vieill.  than  in  that  of  Lath.,  as  above,  and  with  the  inferior  man- 
dible but  little  shorter  than  the  superior,  this  bird  appears  to  us  to 
present  very  much  the  characters  of  Hemignathus.  The  color,  too,  is 
nearly  the  same. 

The  shape  of  the  bill  in  this  bird  is  different  from  that  in  the  genus 
Drepania  {D.  coccinea  and  D.  eangidnea) .  It  either  forms  a  distinct 
genus,  or  belongs  to  the  genus  Hemignathus,  in  our  opinion  to  the  lat- 
ter ;  and  the  half-billed  or  Hemignathous  character  appears  to  us  to  be 
not  completely  characteristic. 


INSESSOBES. 


179 


Bill  long,  gradually  curved,  pointed ;  wing  moderate  or  rather  long ; 
third  quill  slightly  longest ;  tail  short,  even ;  legs  rather  long,  strong ; 
toes  moderate.  Front,  and  line  over  the  eye,  pale  greenish-yellow ; 
spot  in  font  of  the  eye  black.  Entire  upper  parts  olive-green,  tinged 
with  yeilow ;  under  parts  greenish-yellow ;  lighter  on  the  throat  and 
under  tail-coverts.     Bill  and  legs  dark. 

Total  length  (of  skin),  about  six  inches;  wing,  three  inches;  tail, 
one  and  three-fourths  inches ;  bill,  one  and  three-fourths  inches. 

Hab. — Sandwich  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat  Mus.  Washington. 

Of  this  interesting  and  little-known  bird,  Mr.  Peale  observes  : 
"  We  obtained  specimens  of  this  curious  bird  at  the  Island  of 
Hawaii  only ;  it  was  found  inhabiting  the  thick  woody  districts,  and 
according  to  our  observation,  does  not  inhabit  Oahu,  or  the  northern 
islands  of  the  Hawaiian  Group." 

A  careful  examination  of  Latham's  figure,  cited  above,  and  compa- 
rison with  that  of  Vieill.  and  Aud.,  may  readily  lead  to  some  doubts 
of  the  identity  of  the  birds  represented.  The  former  possibly  repre- 
sents a  true  Hemignathxia,  and  not  the  present  bird,  but  it  is  clearly 
that  represented  by  the  authors  last  mentioned. 


2.  HsMiGNATHUS  OLivACEUS  {Lofresnaije), 
Hettrorhynchxu  olivaceuf,  Lafr.  Mag.  de  Zool.  1889,  p.  17. 

Guerin,  Mag.  de  Zool.  1839,  PI.  X. 

In  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  we  find  specimens  which  appear 
to  be  the  bird  described  and  figured  under  this  name  by  the  Baron 
Lafresnaye,  as  above  cited,  though  they  are,  we  suspect,  not  in  mature 
pluuiage.  The  specimens  before  us  were  obtained  at  the  Sandwich 
Islands. 

Though  given  by  Messrs.  Prevost  and  Des  Murs  in  Zoology  of  the 
Voyage  of  the  Venus  (Oiseaux,  p.  192)  as  identical  with  the  succeed- 
ing species,  we  regard  it  as  quite  difierent. 


180 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


3.  Hemignathus  lucidus  {lAchtemtein). 
Nectarima  lucida,  LiOHT.  Mem.  Acad.  Berlin,  1839,  p.  451. 
Mem.  Acad.  Berlin,  1839,  PL  V,  fig.  2 ;  Voy.  Venus,  Ois.  PI.  I. 

In  the  curious  little  birds  of  this  genus  there  is  quite  an  appreciable 
diversity  in  the  thickness  and  degree  of  curve  in  the  bill  in  different 
specimens  of  apparently  the  same  species.  This  variation  may  be, 
and  probably  is,  dependent  in  some  measure  on  the  age  of  the  indivi- 
dual, and  we  suspect  that  the  curve  is  greatest  in  adult  birds.  Nor 
are  we  sure  that  the  half-billed  character,  indicated  by  the  name  of 
this  genus,  it  strictly  correct,  for  reasons  mentioned  in  a  preceding 
article. 

These  birds  appear  to  be  restricted  to  the  Sandwich  Islands.  We 
have  now  before  us,  from  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  and  from 
the  Museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  several  specimens  which 
appear  to  be  the  present  and  preceding  species.  They  bear  a  strong 
general  resemblance  to  each  other,  but  the  present  is  the  larger,  and 
has  the  bill  much  stronger.  It  is  not  surprising  that  these  two  birds 
have  been  repeatedly  mistaken  for  each  other  by  authors,  and  they 
are  in  fact  to  be  distinguished  with  difficulty  by  descriptions  only. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale,  the  three  birds  here  included  in  the  genus 
Hemignathm  are  very  similar  in  their  habits,  and  frequent  the  same 
description  of  locality. 

The  bills  in  this  bird,  and  that  immediately  preceding,  are  rarely 
exactly  alike  in  any  two  specimens.  The  difference  is  in  length  and 
thickness  and  curve.  In  the  specimens  before  us,  very  few  have  the 
bill  curved  at  the  same  angle,  or  perhaps  it  would  be  more  in  accord- 
ance with  the  language  of  mathematics,  to  say  that  these  bills  describe 
arcs  of  different  circles. 

We  find  nothing  recorded  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  in 
reference  to  the  habits  or  history  of  this  singular  group  of  birds ;  nor, 
we  regret  to  say,  elsewhere,  except  in  the  volume  on  the  Quadrupeds 
and  Birds  of  the  Voyage  of  the  Venus  (p.  183,  octavo,  Paris,  1855). 
It  is  probably  very  nearly  impossible  to  determine  or  reconcile  with 
each  other  the  synonyms  of  these  two  species,  or  the  instances  in 
which  they  have  been  mistaken  for  each  other;  but  we  have  given 
them  as  they  appear  to  us,  and  as  represented  in  the  plates  cited. 


INSESSOUES. 


181 


4.  Tribb  FISSIROSTRES. 

1,  Family  HIRUNDlNIDiB. 

1.  Genus  PETROCHELIDON,  Cabams,  Museum  Heineanum,  p.  47  (1850). 

1.  Pethochelidon  fulva  {VieiU.). 

Birundo /ulva,  ViEiLL.  Ois.  d'Am.  Sept.  I,  p.  62. 

IT'mndo  pcEciloma,  GossE,  B.  of  Jamaica,  p.  64  (1847). 

hirundo  nificoUaria,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  175  (1st  ed.  1848).* 

VieiU.  Ois.  d'Am.  Sept.  I,  Plate  XXXII. 

Form. — Very  similar  to  that  of  P.  lunifrons  (Say),  but  smaller.  Com- 
pact and  robust ;  w  ing  long,  first  quill  longest ;  secondaries  short, 
emargiuate ;  tail  rather  short,  truncate  or  slightly  forked ;  legs  and 
toes  slender. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  five  inches;  wing,  four 
inches;  tail,  two  inches.  "Extent  of  wings,  eleven  and  one-tenth 
inches"  (Peale) ;  "expanse  eleven  inches '  (Gosse). 

Colors. — Adult.  (Specimen  from  Jamaica,  which  i's  H.  pceciloma, 
Gosse.)     Forehead,  ring  around  the  back  of  the  neck,  and  rump, 

*  "  Crown  and  head  bltick,  with  blue  reflections;  wings  and  tail  sepia-brown,  even  in 
length  when  closed  ;  tail  nearly  square,  the  two  middle  and  two  outer  feathers  being 
equal  in  length ;  nuchal  collar,  rump,  band  across  the  breast  and  flanks  rufous-brown ; 
throat  and  abdomen  white ;  under  tail-coverts  dusky,  edged  with  white;  bill  black; 
feet  dusky ;  irides  brown. 

"Total  length,  five  and  one-eighth  inches;  extent  of  wings,  eleven  and  one-tenth 
inches;  wing  from  the  carpal  joint,  four  and  two-tenths  inches ;  tail,  one  and  nine-tenths 
of  an  inch ;  middle  and  outer  feathers,  one  and  eight-tenths  of  an  inch ;  tarsi,  seven- 
twentieths  of  an  inch,;  middle  toe,  including  the  claw,  eleven-twentieths  of  an  inch ; 
claw,  three-twentieths  of  an  inch ;  hind  toe,  four-tenths  of  an  inch ;  claw,  three-twentieths 
of  an  inch ;  bill,  two-tenths  of  an  inch ;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  eleven-twentieths  of 
an  inch.     Male." 

46 


A'- 


182 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


chestnut-brown;  head  above  and  back  black,  with  a  bluish  metallic 
lustre;  quills  and  tail  brownish-black.  Throat,  breast,  and  flanks, 
pale  chestnut ;  middle  of  the  abdomen,  and  under  tail-coverts  white, 
the  latter  tinged  with  very  pale  chestnut.  Bill  black ;  feet  lighter. 
*'  Irides  dark-brown"  (Gosse) .  Some  of  the  feathers  of  the  back  edged 
with  white. 

Young  (specimen  from  Peru,  which  is  H.  ruftcollaris,  Peale).  Upper 
parts  same  as  in  the  specimen  described  above,  but  with  the  chestnut 
of  the  forehead  nearly  obsolete.  Throat  dull  white;  band  across  the 
breast  and  flanks  pale  chestnut ;  abdomen  white ;  under  tail-coverts 
dull  white,  tinged  with  pale  chestnut,  and  with  large  subterminal 
spaces  of  dark-brown.  "  Bill  black ;  feet  dusky ;  irides  brown.  Male" 
(Peale). 

According  to  Mr.  Peale,  the  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Ex- 
pedition was  killed  near  Callao,  Peru,  on  the  twelfth  of  July. 

The  two  specimens  now  described,  though  presenting  some  differ- 
ences in  the  colors  of  the  under  parts,  we  regard  as  of  the  same  species, 
and  which  is  regarded  by  all  late  ornithologists  as  the  true  Hirundo 
/itlva  of  Vieillot.  Both  sufficiently  resemble  the  figure  in  Ois.  d'Am. 
Sept.  in  all  respects,  except  that  the  tail  is  there  represented  as  forked, 
but  very  probably  erroneously  by  the  artist,  as  it  is  not  so  stated  in 
the  description. 

The  difference  in  the  colors  of  these  two  birds  is  not  greater  than  is 
usual  in  specimens  of  many  species  of  the  family  Hirundinidce,  and 
particularly  in  those  like  the  common  Hirumlo  ruatka  of  Europe,  or 
the  Hirundo  ru/a  of  North  America,  having  the  under  parts  more  or 
less  of  a  chestnut  color.  In  I^trocheb'don  luni/rons,  a  well-known  spe- 
cies of  the  United  States,  and  consii  erably  resembling  the  bird  now 
before  us,  there  is  also  much  diversity  in  the  extent  and  shade  of  the 
chestnut  color  c  f  the  throat,  though  in  adult  specimens,  it  is  nearly 
confined  to  that  icjion.  In  young  and  immature  birds  it  is  quite  ob- 
scure, and  extends  to  the  breast,  mixed  and  shaded  with  pale  brown. 

This  bird  has  been  mistaken  for  Hirundo  luni/rone,  Say,  of  North 
America,  by  several  authors  on  American  Ornithology,  and  its  name 
bos  accordingly  been  applied  to  that  species  erroneously  (as  in  Audu- 
bon's Ornithological  Biography,  V,  p.  415).  The  two  species  strictly 
belong  to  the  same  group,  which  is  probably  subgeneric  only,  but  are 
so  different  as  to  be  distinguished  with  no  difficulty  on  comparison. 
Hirundo  luni/rons  is  the  larger,  and  may  always  be  recognized  by  its 


INSESSOBES. 


183 


conspicuous  frontal  band  of  white,  which  is  frequently  slightly  tinged 
with  brownish,  but  is  never  of  the  dark  chestnut  found  in  H.  fulva. 
In  the  specimens  of  the  latter,  now  before  us,  there  is  no  trace  of  the 
black  of  the  throat  which  characterizes  the  former. 

As  a  bird  of  Western  South  America,  we  are  not  aware  that  this 
bird  has  been  previously  noticed. 


2.  Petrochelidon  ctanoleuca  {Vieill.). 

Hirundo  cyanoleuca,  ViElLl..  Nouv.  Diet.  XIV,  p.  509. 
Hirundo  minuta,  De  Wied,  Beitr.  II,  p.  369. 
Hirundo  tnelampyga,  Light.  Yerz.  p.  57. 

Teram.  PI.  Col.  209,  fig.  1. 

Several  specimens  are  from  Peru.    Mr.  Peale  states : 
"  We  f  nind  this  species  very  common  in  the  month  of  July,  about 
Lima  anu  Callao,  in  Peru.     It  was  quite  familiar,  entering  the  court- 
yards of  the  houses,  and  coursing  within  a  few  feet  of  pedestrians." 


H'i'Pt 


2.  Genus  COLLOCALIA,  G.  R.  Gray,  List.  Gen.  Birds,  p.  8  (1840). 

1.   COLLOCALIA  CINEREA    {Gnu). 

Hirundo  cinerea,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  II,  p.  1026  (1788).   , 

JUacrnpleryx  leucophceug,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  £zp.  Birds,  p.  178  (let  ed.  1848).* 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XII,  fig.  4.    Adult. 


This  species  is  nearly  related  to  the  succeeding,  and  is  most  readily 

*  "  Pale  soot-oolor ;  beneath  lighter ;  crown,  wings,  and  tail,  darkest ;  webs,  of  the 
greater  wing-coverts,  uncfu/afeff;  bill  very  minute  and  delicate;  forehead  full,  round ; 
eyes  large ;  irides  dark  brown ;  feet  dusky  red ;  tail  slightly  forked. 

"  Total  length,  five  and  one-tenth  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  five  and  three- 
tenths  inches ;  tail,  two.ftnd  four-tenths  inches ;  tarsi,  seven-twentieths  of  an  inch ;  middle 
toe,  including  the  claw,  four-tenths  of  an  inch ;  claw,  three-twentioths  of  an  inch ;  hind 
toC;  one-fourth  of  an  inch  ;  claw,  one-tenth  of  an  inch ;  bill,  one-tenth  of  an  inch ;  to  the 
corner  of  the  mouth,  nine-twentieths  of  an  inch." 


w%. 


w^ 


^m 


184 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


distinguished  by  its  size,  and  by  the  rump  being  uniform  in  color  with 
the  other  upper  parts,  and  not  cinereous  as  in  the  former.  In  other 
characters  dependent  on  form  the  two  species  are  very  similar,  and 
with  the  exception  just  stated,  are  similar  also  in  color.  The  present 
bird  is  the  larger  of  the  two  species. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  of  the  present  bird  : 

'*  This  species  was  obtained  at  the  Island  of  Tahiti,  where  it  is  not 
uncommon.  Its  flight  and  appearance  towards  evening,  at  which  time 
it  appears  to  be  most  active,  is  like  that  of  the  chimney-swallow  of 
North  America  (Cha3tura  pelasgia,  Stev.),  but  the  large  and  full  tail  of 
our  bird,  and  its  small  bill  and  feet,  destroy  further  analogy.  It  is 
probable  that  it  breeds  in  caves,  like  the  last-described  species  (the 
succeeding)  to  which  it  bears  a  family  likeness,  but  we  were  not  so 
fortunate  as  to  discover  its  nest." 

Our  figure  above  cited  is  of  the  natural  size. 


2.  COLLOCALIA  SPODIGPrOlA   (Bsale). 

Marroptcryx  sjiodiopj/(/ius,  PEAtE,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  176  (1st  ed.  1848). 
Hirundo /rancica,  Gm.  Sjrst.  Nat.  II,  p.  1017  (1788)  ? 

Plate  XII,  fig.  3.     Adult. 

Tola  fidujinosa,  supra  eaturatior,  uropygio  taenia  transversa  lata  ctnera- 
scenti-alba.     Long,  tot.  ^i  pollices. 

Form. — Bill  very  short,  weak ;  wings  long ;  second  quill  longest ;  tail 
rather  long,  wide;  tarsi  and  toes  slender;  claws  curved,  rather 
strong. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  four  and  one-fourth 
inches ;  wing,  four  and  a  half  inches ;  tail,  two  and  one-fourth  inches. 

Colors. — Rump  with  a  wide  transverse  band  of  light  cinereous. 
Entire  other  upper  parts  dark  fuliginous ;  lightest  on  the  back,  and 
nearly  black  on  the  head,  wings,  and  tail.  Under  parts  pale  brownish, 
fuliginous ;  lightest  on  the  throat ;  darker  and  nearly  black  on  the  ends 
of  the  under  tail-coverts.  '<  Bill  black ;  tarsi  dusky  flesh-color ;  extent 
of  wings,  ten  and  seven-eighths  inches"  (Peiile).  .,    =.-,.■, 


1NSESS0BES. 


185 


Hab. — Upolu,  Samoan  Islands.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Wash- 
ington City. 

The  species  of  the  genus  of  swallows  to  which  this  bird  belongs, 
would  be  sufficiently  difficult  to  distinguish,  with  all  the  appliances 
and  means  at  hand,  but  with  the  brief  descriptions  of  naturalists,  and 
no  figures  worth  mentioning,  the  case  very  nearly  borders  on  the  im- 
possible. And  so,  after  having  in  vain  examined  all  authorities  within 
our  reach,  we  are  constrained  to  admit  that  we  find  ourselves  at  a  loss 
to  say  whether  the  bird  now  before  us  has  been  previously  described 
or  not.  In  our  catalogue  of  swallows,  in  the  collection  of  the  Academy 
of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia  (Proceedings,  VI,  July  1st,  1853), 
we  cited  Mr.  Peale's  name  as  a  synonym  for  CoHocalia  francica  (Gm.), 
relying  on  the  evident  similarity  of  the  Expedition's  specimens  with 
the  description  by  Gmelin,  and  on  European  labels  to  specimens  of  a 
very  similar  if  not  identical  species  in  the  collection  of  the  Academy. 
The  latter  bear  as  their  locality  "  Mauritius."  Gmelin  compiles  from 
Bufibn  (Hist.  Nat.  des  Ois.  VI,  p.  696),  who  gives  the  same  locality, 
(Isle  of  France).  The  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition 
are  from  the  Samoan  and  the  Feejee  Islands,  and  are  only  rather 
darker  in  color  than  those  to  which  we  allude  above.  This  character, 
however,  and  the  widely  different  locality,  have  mainly  induced  us 
provisionally  to  regard  the  present  bird  as  a  distinct  species. 

Mr.  Peale's  observations  on  this  species  are  in  a  high  degree  inte- 
resting: 

"  When  the  Expedition  visited  the  Island  of  Upolu,  in  the  month 
of  November,  1839,  Mr.  Cunningham,  acting  British  Vice-Consul,  in- 
formed us  that  he  had  discovered  in  a  cave  on  the  south  side  of  that 
island,  some  curious  swallows,  which  had  never  been  seen  elsewhere, 
and  that  they  were  entirely  subterranean,  hatching  their  eggs  and 
feeding  and  raising  their  young  in  the  dark  recesses  of  the  earth. 

"  We  had  previously  seen  both  fishes  and  reptiles  taken  in  such 
situations,  but  were  not  prepared  to  hear  of  subterranean  birds.  A 
journey  was  therefore  made  to  the  cave  described  by  Mr.  Cunningham. 
It  rained  the  whole  time,  which  was  four  days,  occupied  in  going  and 
returning  across  the  mountains,  but  having  become  accustomed  to 
marching  in  mud  and  water,  we  ei\joyed  the  tramp,  and  picked  up, 
besides  swallows,  many  interesting  objects,  which  we  saw  in  numbers 
every  day  that  we  stayed  on  the  island. 

47 


186 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


"On  reaching  the  cuve,  we  found  that  it  was  one  which  was  for- 
merly supposed  to  be  the  residence  of  one  of  the  native  gods,  '  Moso.' 
Our  Samoan  companions  pointed  out  the  place,  but  declined  entering, 
and  we  found  that  a  wall  had  t)een  built  across  the  entrance,  leaving 
but  a  narrow  aperture  through  which  the  passage  was  given  into  utter 
darkness,  but  being  prepared  with  matches,  candles,  and  a  lantern,  we 
soon  were  on  our  way  through  a  regularly  formed  volcanic  tunnel,  or 
passage,  which  was  once  an  outlet  by  which  lava  in  its  molten  state 
found  its  way  from  the  mountains  to  the  sea. 

"  A  sound  like  the  rattling  of  small  hard  pebbles  was  heard,  and  soon 
traced  to  numerous  swallows,  which  had  been  disturbed,  by  our  lights, 
and  many  others  were  discovered  sitting  quietly  on  their  nests  placed 
on  slight  ridges  of  the  lava.  The  nests  were  composed  of  moss,  held 
together  with  glue  incorporated  with  the  moss  in  large  quantities;  like 
the  walls  of  the  cave,  they  were  dripping  with  moisture ;  each  con- 
tained but  one  egg  or  young  bird,  and  incubation  did  not  appear  to 
be  confined  to  any  particular  season.  Some  were  just  building,  while 
the  young  of  others  had  quitted  the  nest,  and  were  just  beginning  to 
fly.  Old  nests  were  repaired  with  new. moss,  which  made  it  appear 
that  they  used  the  same  more  than  once.  Some  of  the  old  birds  were 
so  unsu  '.s  that  they  allowed  us  to  lift  them  off  their  egg  with 

our  hanu  id  they  immediately  returned  when  we  were  satisfied. 
The  nests  are  nearly  round,  three  inches  in  diameter,  and  about  one 
and  a  half  inches  high.  The  eggs  are  pure  white,  one  end  nearly  as 
small  as  the  other,  three-quarters  of  an  inch  long,  and  half  an  inch  in 
diameter. 

"  Notwithstanding  that  these  swallows  are  known  to  Qy  through 
long  subterranean  passages  in  total  darkness,  they  may  daily  be  seen 
abroad  even  in  clear  sunlight,  collecting  food  for  themselves  and  their 
young,  so  that  it  is  probable  there  will  be  found  on  careful  examina- 
tion, some  anatomical  structure  which  enables  them  to  alter  the  form 
of  their  eyes,  and  to  see  in  the  dark  and  in  tiie  light. 

"  The  two  sexes  are  alike  in  plumage,  which  the  young  also  wear 
from  the  first  moult.  We  had  frequent  opportunities  of  seeing  this 
species  at  Upolu,  and  at  Tutuila,  of  the  Samoan  Islands,  and  at  several 
of  the  Feejees." 

This  bird  is  represented  in  our  plate  of  the  natural  size. 


I  N  S  K  S  8  1)  R  K  S. 


187 


2.  Family  CAPUIMULGID^E. 

1.  Genus  ANTUOSTOMUS,  Goutd. 

1.  Antrostomus  Nuttallii  {Auduhon). 

CaprimufguB  Nuttallii,  AuD.  Orn.  Biog.  V,  p.  886  (1889). 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  oct.  ed.  VII,  Plato  CCCCXCV. 

A  single  specimen  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  which  was 
obtained  in  Oregon.  This  remarkable  and  handsome  little  species  is 
now  frequently  brought  in  collootions  fi-om  Western  North  America, 
though  usually  from  California. 

2.  Antrostomus  ocEi.LATUS  (7?(c/»«f?«'). 

Caprimulijm  ocellatus,  TsoH.  Gonsp.  Woigni.  Arohiv.  1844,  p.  268. 
Tschudi,  Faun.  Per.  Orn.  Plato  V,  fig.  2. 

This  handsome  and  strongly  characterized  species  appears  to  be 
peculiar  to  the  western  countries  of  South  America.  Like  the  pre- 
ceding, it  is  one  of  the  smallest  of  the  birds  of  its  genus,  and  perhaps 
ought  to  be  regarded  as  presenting  u  subgeneric  type.  Specimens  in 
the  present  collection  are  from  Peru,  in  which  country  the  species  was 
originally  discovered  by  the  distinguished  author  above  cited. 

Though  placed  by  us  at  present  in  the  genus  Antroatonius,  this  bird 
is  different  in  color  from  the  North  American  species  of  this  genus, 
and  may  be  the  type  of  a  peculiar  subgenerio  group.  Specimens  in 
the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  in  excellent  plumage  and  preser- 
vation. 


f 


188 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


2.  G1N08  STENOPSIS,  Cauin,  Proo.  Aoad.  Pbilad.  V,  p.  170  (1851). 
1.  Stenopsis  longirostris  {BonajHirte).' 

Caprimuhjm  hngirottrit,  BoNAP.  Jour.  Acad.  Philad.  IV,  p.  884  (1825). 
Caprimulgut  li/aciatui,  GoDLD,  Proc.  Zool.  Soo.  Jjondon,  1837>  p.  22. 
Caprimulffus  decuuatut,  TsoilUDi,  Consp.  Av.  p.  8. 
Caprimulgus  conterminui,  Peale,  Zool.  £zp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  109  (1848).* 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XIII,  fig.  2.    Adult. 

This  is  apparently  one  of  the  most  common  species  of  the  family 
CaprimulgidcB,  which  inhabits  the  western  countries  of  South  America. 
The  specimen  described  by  Mr.  Peale  is  not  in  adult  plumage.  Ac* 
cording  to  him,  it  was  obtained  near  Valparaiso,  Chili,  in  the  month 
of  May.  "  It  was  sitting  on  the  ground  when  discovered,  and  uttered 
a  cluck  when  flushed." 

The  figure  In  our  plate  is  of  the  natural  size. 


2.  Stenopsis  parvdlus  (OouUl). 

Caprimulgut  parvulm,  QouLD,  Proo.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1837,  p.  22. 
Caprimulgut  cfquicaudatut,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Kxp.  Birds,  p.  168  (1848).f 

'*'  "  Head,  back,  and  smaller  wing-coverts  rufous,  mixed  with  gray,  barred,  and  mi- 
nutely spotted  with  dark  brown;  scapulars  with  a  black  centre;  Brst  four  quills  dark 
brown,  crossed  in  the  middle  by  an  oblique  rufous  bar ;  secondaries  crossed  by  five  or 
six  bars  of  rufous  spots ;  tail  slightly  rounded,  the  two  centre  feathers  gray,  crossed  by 
eight  indistinct  and  broken  bars  of  dark  brown,  the  rest  brown,  crossed  by  numerous 
broken  bars  and  spots  of  rufous ;  under  coverts  tawny ;  gular  spot  rufous ;  breast  and 
abdomen  rufous-gray,  crossed  by  numerous  small  lines  of  dark  brown ;  legs  reddish ;  the 
toes  dusky ;  rictal  bristles  strong  and  glossy-black ;  iridcs  dark  brown. 

"  Total  length,  ten  and  three-tenths  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  six  and  nine- 
tentbs  inches;  tail,  four  and  six-tenths  inches;  tarsi,  olovon-tweittielhs  of  an  inch; 
middle  toe,  including  the  nail,  one  inch ;  nail,  one-fourth  of  an  inch ;  hind  toe,  three- 
tenths  of  an  inch ;  nail,  one-tenth  of  an  inch ;  bill,  three-tenths  of  an  inch ;  to  tho 
angle  of  the  mouth,  one  and  three-tenths  of  an  inch ;  second  quill  longest,  third  a  triflo 
shorter." 

f  "  Head  and  back  mottled  with  gray,  dark  brown,  and  rufous ;  breast  and  abdomen 
tawny,  crossed  and  spotted  with  small  marks  of  dark  brown  and  pale  rufous ;  gular  spot 


'.i:v- 


INSESSORES. 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XIII,  fig.  1.    Adult. 


189 


The  specimens  of  this  remarkable  little  species  vary  somewhat  in 
size,  but  are  undoubtedly  this  species.  Tht  larger,  however,  approach 
in  some  degree  the  preceding,  and  by  descriptions  only  are  difficult  to 
be  characterised  so  as  to  be  readily  distinguished.  The  present  bird 
is  the  smaller,  and  is  one  of  the  smallest  species  of  this  family. 

According  to  Mr.  Pealc,  this  bird  was  "  found  in  considerable  num- 
bers near  Callao,  Peru,  in  the  month  of  July.  It  was  always  on  the 
ground  during  the  day,  and  never  uttered  any  sound  when  flushed." 

Our  figure  above  cited  is  of  the  natural  size. 


3.  Genus  CHOllDEILES,  Swainson,  Faun.  Boi.  Am.  II,  p.  466  (1831), 
1.  Chordeiles  Acutipennis  {Boddaert). 

Ctiprinwir/ui  acutipennii,  BoDD.  Tab.  PI.  Enl.  p.  46  (1783). 
Cnjirimuliju*  acutun,  Gmelin,  Syst.  Nat.  II,  p.  1031  (1788). 
Cajtn'iHufi/us  exilit,  Lesson,  Rov.  Zool.  1839,  p.  44. 
Chonleiks  htbeadalm,  Jardink,  Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.  1840,  p.  118. 
"  Caprimufi/us  setnitoryiualus,  Linn.  Gm.  Pr.  Max." — TscHUDi,  Fauna  Peruana,  Orn. 
p.  21. 

Ciipri'mulijus  pruinosus,  TscHUDi,  Av.  Consp.  p.  8. 

C/iorthiles  pcrnvianm,  P£ALE,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  172  (1848).* 

vliite ;  wings  dark  brown  ;  the  first  four  quills  crossed  by  an  oblique  white  line,  which  ia 
edged  with  rufous;  secondaries  with  irregular  bars  of  dark  rufous;  coverts,  with  a  termi- 
nal spot  of  pale  tawny,  margined  with  dark  brown ;  tail  even  or  '  square ;'  four  central 
feathers  gray,  crossed  by  seven  irregular  bars  of  dark  brown ;  the  rest  dark  brown  ;  the 
inner  webs  tipped  with  white,  and  crossed  by  three  bars  of  tawny  near  the  body;  outer 
web  with  eight  or  ten  narrow,  equidistant  bars  of  pale  rufous ;  tarsi  covered  with  feathers 
reaoiiing  to  the  toes;  irides  brown, 

"  Total  length,  eight  and  three-tenths  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  five  and 
three-tenths  inches  ;  tail,  four  inches;  tarsi,  thirteen-twenlieths  of  an  inch;  middle  toe, 
including  the  nail,  seventcen-twentiuths  of  an  inch ;  nail,  three-twentieths  of  an  inch  ; 
bind  too,  two-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  nail,  one-twentieth  of  an  inch ;  bill,  four-tenths  of  an 
inch  ;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  one  and  two-tentiis  inches." 

*  "  Head,  back,  scapulars,  and  two  middle  tail-feathers,  light  gray,  mixed  with  tawny ; 
sagittal  spot,  on  the  -iippcr  part  of  the  throat,  white ;  beneath  it,  tawny,  mottled  with 
dusky ;  breast  gray,  finely  mottled ;  belly,  vent,  and  under  tail-coverts  pale  tawny,  with 
dusky  bars ;  wings  dusky  black ;  the  first  four  quills  crossed  at  the  middle  by  a  white  bar; 
second  quill  rather  longer  than  the  first;  the  third  is  shorter;  tail  notched,  dusky;  a 

48. 


'lii 

m 

?^p  h-;i«kJ 

■%  '%j9M 

1^'^^ 

llp^^^ 

BBI?.'-ij 

?^  jjiiH^ 

^'fi^m 

190  ORNITHOLOGY. 

Buff.  PL  Enl.  732,  Tachudi,  Faun.  Per.  Aves.  PI.  6. 

Naturalists  might  safely  desist  from  the  further  describing  of  this 
species.  One  of  the  reasons,  however,  of  its  having  so  many  names, 
is  the  fact  that  the  acuminations  at  the  tips  of  the  tail-feathers,  from 
which  its  specific  name  is  derived,  are  not  always  present.  This  cha- 
racter is  represented  very  strongly  in  Buffon's  plate,  cited  above,  and 
is  frequently  to  be  found  in  specimens.  Occasionally,  too,  the  shafts 
of  the  tail-feathers  terminate  abruptly,  as  if  broken  off,  and  sometimes 
the  tail  is  perfect. 

Mr.  Peale  states  of  this  bird  : 

"'  It  was  found  to  be  a  common  sjjecies  near  Callao,  in  Peru,  during 
the  month  of  July,  and  was  seen  resting  on  the  ground  only,  never  on 
fences  or  trees.    It  was  not  heard  to  utter  any  cry." 


4.  Gknus  NYCTIBIUS,  Vieillot,  Analyse,  p.  38  (181G). 

1.  Nyctibius  uEthereus  {De  Wied). 

Caprimuhjus  athereus,  De  Wied,  Keise  nach  Brasilien,  I,  p.  236. 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XIV.     Adult. 

We  find  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  a  fine  specimen  of  this 
large  and  well-marked  species,  which  appears  to  have  been  obtained 
in  Brazil.  As  stated  by  us  in  "  Notes  on  the  Caprimulgidce,"  in  Pro- 
ceedings of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia,  V,  p. 
185,  this  bird  is  quite  distinct  from  Nyctibhin  grandis,  or  any  other 
species.  It  is  one  of  the  largest  birds  known  of  this  family,  being  fully 
the  size  of  the  species  just  mentioned. 

ythite  band  crossing  all  except  the  two  middle  feathers ;  near  the  tip,  inside  of  this  band, 
arc  severiil  gray  mottled  bars;  beneath  six  decided  white  bars,  the  end  one  being  the 
most  conspicuous. 

"  Total  length,  eight  and  one-tenth  inches  ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  six  and  nine- 
tenths  inches ;  tail,  middle  feathers,  three  and  four-tenths  inches ;  outer  feathers,  four 
inches ;  tarsi,  half  an  inch ;  middle  toe,  including;  the  claw,  Hcven-tenths  of  an  inch ;  claw, 
two-tenths  of  an  inch;  pectination  very  conspicuous;  hind  too,  one-fourth  of  an  inch  ; 
claw,  one-twentieth  of  an  inch;  bill,  two-tenths  of  an  inch;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth, 
nine-tenths  of  an  inch." 


INSESS0RE8. 


191 


In  the  bird  now  before  us,  the  ear-like  tufts  over  the  eye,  which  are 
to  be  founci  in  several  others  of  this  genus,  are  very  obvious,  and  give 
to  it  an  additional  owUlike  character.  We  are  not  aware  that  this 
species  has  ever  before  been  figured. 

This  remarkable  bird  is  represented  in  our  plate  above  cited,  of  the 
natural  size.  .  ,; 


8.  Family  HALCYONIDiE.— The  Kingfishers. 


1.  Genus  CERYLE,  Boie,  Isis,  1828,  p.  312. 
1.  Ceryle  alcyon  (Zmj«.). 

•    Ahedo  aht/on,  LiNN.  Sjst.  Nat.  I,  p.  180  (1760). 
AUido  ludoviciana,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  452  (1788). 
Alcedojaijuacati,  DuMONT,  Diet.  Soi.  Nat.  I,  p.  455  (1816). 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  593,  715 ;  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  Ill,  Plate  XXIII,  fig. 
1;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  LXXVII;  oct.  ad.  IV,  Plate  CCLV. 

This  species  was  observed  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  in 
Oregon  and  California,  occurring  more  commonly,  according  to  Dr. 
Pickering,  in  the  latter  country.  It  inhabits,  therefore,  the  entire 
continent  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  its  r.ange  of  lati- 
tude very  probably  embraces  the  whole  of  temperate  North  America, 

Dr.  Pickering  occasionally  mentions  a  bird  of  this  group  which  he 
states  wa.s  apparently  smaller  than  the  present  species.  We  have  also 
had  similar,  representations  made  to  us  by  other  gentlemen  who  had 
visited  California,  but  have  never  seen  any  species  of  kingfisher  from 
that  or  any  other  country  of  Western  North  America,  except  the  bird 
now  before  us.  It  is  possible  that  it  may  be  a  species  unknown  to 
naturalists,  or  perhaps  Ceryle  americana,  which  has  been  found  in 
Texas  and  Mexico,  and  is  a  small  species.  We  have  also  seen  Ceryle 
a.imzona  from  Mexico,  which  is,  however,  but  slightly  smaller  than 
our  present  bird. 

Ceryle  americana  inhabits  the  shores  of  the  Rio  Grande,  and  very 
probably  the  whole  of  Mexico,  and  may  extend  its  range  of  locality 
at  least  into   Southern  California.     Notwithstanding,  however,  the 


:■;  r''ii. 


'ii^ifl 


192 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


recent  extensive  investigations  and  explorations  in  Western  North 
America,  the  Zoology  of  that  immense  region  is  yet  but  fairly  entered 
upon  only,  and  very  far  from  being  exhausted.  The  existence  of  un- 
known species  in  any  group  of  birds  is  by  no  means  to  be  doubted,  so 
far  as  relates  to  the  immense  regions  between  the  Rocky  Mountains 
and  the  Pacific  Ocean. 


2.  Genus  TODIRAMPHUS,  Lesson,  Voy.  Coquille,  Zool.  I,  p.  684  (182G). 


1.  TODIRAMPHUS  TUTA  (Gmeliv). 

Aliedo  tuta  ft  sacra,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  453  (1788). 
Alcedo  collttrls,  FoRSTKR,  Deso.  An.  p.  102  (1844). 

Dacelo  coronata,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Vincennes,  Birds,  p.  160  (1st  edition, 
1848).*. 
«'  Alccih  venerata,  Gmelin,"  Pclzeln.  Sitzungs.  Akad.  Vienna,  XX,  p.  503  (1850). 

Plate  XV,  fig.  1,  Adult.     2,  3,  Young. 

There  is  not,  perhaps,  in  the  entire  circle  of  Birds,  a  genus,  the 
species  of  which  are  more  difficult  to  determine  or  more  liable  to  be 
confounded,  than  those  of  the  genus  TcHlimmphua.  In  the  colors  of 
many  of  the  species  there  is  so  much  similarity  that  the  consideration 
of  form  and  measurements  as  specific  characters  becomes  of  a  high  de- 
gree of  importance,  and  there  are  few  groups  in  which  these  characters 
a.ssume  such  a  great  value.     Several  species  present  marked  differ- 

*  "  Crown,  back,  wings,  and  tail  blue;  auriculars  black,  tipped  with  blue,  a  black  line 
reaching  from  them  around  the  back  of  the  head;  throat,  coronal  band,. collar,  breast, 
belly,  vent,  and  under  tail-covert.s  white;  collar  niar>:iiicd  witii  black  and  shaded  with 
buflF;  coronal  band  also  edged  with  buff;  under  wing-coverts  pale  buff;  quills  dusky, 
the  outer  margins  blue,  shafts  du.sky  beneath,  black  above,  third  and  fourth  quills  t'(iual, 
slightly  longer  than  the  second,  &vsi  and  6fih  equal ;  tail  rounded,  shafts  dusky  beneath, 
black  above;  bill  nearly  black;  lower  half  of  the  under  mandible  white;  legs  dusky  j 
irides  brown. 

"Total  lenirth,  nine  inches;  extent  of  wings,  thirteen  and  a  half  inches;  wings,  from 
the  carpal  joint,  three  and  eight-tenths  inches;  tail,  two  and  six-tenths  inches;  tarsi,  six- 
tenlhs  of  an  inch ;  middle  toe,  including  claw,  seventecn-twcnticths  of  an  inch;  cluw, 
three-tenths  of  an  inch ;  hind  toe,  half  an  inch;  claw,  two-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  bill,  one 
and  fiiur-tonths  of  an  inch;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  one  and  nine-tenths  of  an  inch. 
Adult  male.'' 


INSES80RE8. 


^193 


ences  in  the  plumage  of  the  adult  and  young  birds,  scarcely  possible 
in  all  probability  to  be  accurately  stated  in  many  of  them  with  our 
present  knowledge,  and  there  are  also  several  species  that  show  that 
almost  peculiarly  intimate  relationship  to  which  we  have  frequently 
alluded  in  the  present  volume,  as  being  found  to  exist  in  birds  inhabit- 
ing different  islands  or  groups  of  islands  in  the  Pacific  Ocean. 

A  close  relationship  appears  as  obvious  in  the  present  genus,  as  in 
any  other  with  which  we  are  acquainted.  It  is  so  great,  that  taking 
the  Todiramphns  cMorw  (which  is  Alcedo  chlorocepliala,  Graelin),  as  a 
type  of  the  genus,  nearly  all  the  other  species  so  much  resemble  it, 
that  they  may  almost  be  regarded  as  mere  variations  of  the  same  form 
and  colors,  passing  through  various  shades  only  of  the  latter,  and  modi- 
fications of  size  and  the  dimensions  of  the  different  parts  of  the  body 
and  its  members.  This  geuus  is  what  some  naturalists  would  desig- 
nate a  very  natural  group. 

The  short  and  sometimes  very  imperfect  descriptions  of  the  birds  of 
this  genus,  by  the  older  naturalists,  and  the  rarity  of  several  species 
in  museums  on  account  of  their  native  localities  being  comparatively 
seldom  visited  by  voyagers,  have  rendered  the  determination  of  tl»e 
■  synonomy,  and  in  fact,  the  recognition  of  some  described  species  of 
this  group,  a  matter  of  no  inconsiderable  difficulty.  From  these  causes, 
too,  confusion  has  arisen  in  the  works  of  recent  learned  and  reliable 
ornithologists. 

In  a  future  page  w^e  shall  give  the  results  of  an  attempt  to  arrange 
this  group,  not  without  being  aware  of  its  intricate  character,  as  we 
hope  to  have  shown  to  the  reader  and  to  our  co-laborers  in  the  great 
field  of  Zoological  science.  We  have  endeavored  also  to  have  our 
figures  prepared  with  all  possible  accuracy. 

The  bird  now  before  the  reader  we  regard  as  undoubtedly  Alcedo 
tufa  of  Gmelin,  and  Alcedo  sacra  of  the  same  author  (Syst.  Nat.  I,  p. 
453),  the  former  being  the  young  (Plate  XV,  fig.  3,  of  the  Atlas  to 
the  present  volume),  and  the  latter  (fig.  1),  the  adult,  or  at  least  in  as 
adult  plumage  as  we  have  ever  had  an  opportunity  of  examining. 
This  bird  (the  adult),  is  the  same  species  described  and  figured  by 
Lesson  as  Alcedo  mem,  in  Mem.  Soc.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  III,  PI.  XI. 

Though  Todiramphtis  dicinus,  of  the  same  author  (Memoires,  as  just 
cited,  III,  p.  422j  PI.  XII),  bears  a  considerable  resemblance  to  the 
young  of  the  present  species,  it  is  quite  distinct,  and  readily  detected 
on  comparison  of  specimens.     These  species  have,  however,  been  re- 

49 


"1j 


194 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


garded  as  the  same  by  very  competent  authors,  but  evidently  to  us, 
erroneously.  We  regard  the  two  species  described  and  figured  by  M. 
Lesson,  as  above  referred  to,  as  clearly  distinct  from  each  other  and 
well  established.  The  error  of  authors  has  been  mainly  in  mistaking 
the  young  of  T.  tuta  for  T.  divinus,  which  it  resembles.  Professor 
Reichenbach  in  "  Die  Vollstandigste  Naturgeschichte,"  Birds,  Plate 
CCCCXXIII,  figs.  5148,  49,  50,  51,  has  figured  the  two  species  here 
alluded  to,  under  the  names  ToJiramplms  sacer  and  (ntn.  The  latter 
apparently  represents  T.  divinua  (figs.  3150,  51),  but  the  specimens 
figured  in  this  great  work,  were  not  in  nia'jre  plumage.  Several 
species  figured  by  this  author  and  arranged  in  Todiramphus,  do  not 
belong  to  this  genus  (for  instance.  Halcyon  hizidi  and  H.  diops).  This 
is  also  the  case  in  Bonaparte's  Conspectus  Avium,  p.  156. 

In  an  interesting  and  ^  aluable  paper  on  little-known  species  of  birds 
described  by  various  authors,  the  types  of  which  are  in  the  Imperial 
Museum  at  Vienna,  in  "  Sitzungsberichte  der  Kaiserlichen  Akademie 
der  WiLsenschaften,"  XX,  p.  492,  by  M.  Von  Pelzeln,  of  the  Imperial 
Museum,  the  original  specimen  of  Alcedo  venerata,  Gmelin,  from  the 
Leverian  Museum  is  re-described.  It  appears  to  have  been  acquired 
by  the  Austrian  Government  at  the  public  sale  of  the  Leverian 
Museum  in  1806,  and  its  examination  and  description  by  M.  Von 
Pelzeln,  is  in  the  highest  degree  interesting,  and  a  valuable  contri- 
bution to  descriptive  Ornithology.  According  to  this  description,  it 
is  evidently  the  young  of  the  present  bird,  or  in  very  nearly  that 
stage  of  plumage  which  is  Alcedo  tufa,  Gmelin. 

Dr.  Pickering  gives  the  following : 

"  The  Ornithology  of  these  islands"  (the  Samoan  or  Navigator),  "  is 
much  more  rich  and  varied  than  is  generally  supposed,  especially  in 
the  large  Island  of  Savai,  and  we  have  reason  to  think  that  we  have 
by  no  means  exhausted  it.  It  is  remarkable  that  among  land  birds 
we  did  not  find  a  olngle  species  common  to  this  group  and  to  the  So- 
ciety Islands.  The  pigeons  are  still  the  prevailing  family,  and  as  in 
the  group  just  mentioned,  we  notice  no  bird  of  the  Falcon  family. 
Sea  birds  do  not  seem  abundant,  probably  as  at  Tahiti,  on  account  of 
the  coast  being  inhabited. 

"  This  kingfisher  is  common  in  the  Islands  of  Tutuila  and  Upolu, 
and  is  generally  seen  sitting  solitary  and  silent  on  a  branch,  or  occa- 
sionally uttering  a  harsh  note.  Tongue  very  short  and  broad,  and 
appareiHly  fleshy  to  its  apex."  ' 


INSESSOBES. 


195 


Mr.  Peale  observes  of  this  bird  : 

"  The  subjects  of  the  present  descriptions  were  killed  at  the  Island 
of  Tutuila,  on  the  fourteenth  of  March ;  they  did  not  appear  to  be  so 
numerous  on  the  other  islands  of  the  Samoan  Group,  although  it  is 
believed  they  inhabit  all.  We  found  them  frequenting  the  cocoanut 
and  bread-fruit  groves,  always  in  the  vicinity  of  the  native  habitations. 
They  are  now  regarded  by  many  as  a  sort  of  domestic  appendage,  but 
are  not  sacred  as  some  of  the  genus  were  at  the  Society  Islands  M'hen 
first  discovered. 

"  The  young  birds  of  all  the  species  of  this  genus  which  we  have 
seen,  have  the  upper  mandible  hooked ;  the  hook  gradually  wears 
away  as  the  bill  grows,  until  finally,  by  the  time  they  are  full  grown 
and  the  birds  have  attained  the  plumage  of  the  second  year,  there  is 
no  vestige  of  it  left." 

In  the  plate  of  our  Atlas,  this  bird  is  represented  of  the  size  of  life. 
Fig.  1  is  the  adult  male,  figs.  2  and  3  are  young  birds ;  the  last  is  in 
the  plumage  described  by  Gmelin  as  Alcedo  tuta,  and  which  has  been 
mistaken  by  authors  for  T.  div'mua,  Lesson, 


2.  ToDiRAMPHUS  viTiENSis  {Peole). 
Dacclo  vitiensis,  Pealg,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  15G  (first  edition,  1848). 
Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XVI.    Adult,  and  young. 

Stqyra  uliramarina,  uropygio  ad  cobaltinum  vertente,  cbllari  et  corpore 
euhtua  Jlavis  abdomine  saturatiore.    Long.  Sipollices. 

Form. — Short  and  robust ;  bill  strong ;  wings  short,  second,  third,  and 
fourth  quills  longest  and  nearly  equal ;  tail  short,  rounded. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  adult,  eight  and  one-fourth 
inches;  wing,  three  and  a  half  inches;  tail,  two  and  three-fourths 
inches.     "Extent  of  wings,  twelve  and  a  half  inches'*  (Peale). 

Colors. — Stripe  from  the  nostril  over  the  eye  to  the  occiput,  light 
reddish-yellow  (or  sienna-yellow).  Head  above  from  the  bill  to  the 
occiput,  glossy  ultramarine  blue,  changing  to  greeu  in  some  lights, 


196 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


which  color  is  inclosed,  except  in  front,  by  the  stripe  from  the  nostril. 
At  the  base  of  the  bill,  slightly  below  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible 
and  behind  the  eye,  a  stripe  of  the  same  blue  extends  to  the  occiput, 
all  the  feathers  of  which  (stripe)  are  black  at  their  bases,  readily 
showing  that  color  when  disarranged.  Back  blue,  tinged  with  green ; 
rump  blue  (cobalt) ;  wings  and  tail  ultramarine. 

Entire  under  parts  of  the  body,  inferior  coverts  of  the  wings,  and  a 
narrow  collar  on  the  neck  behind,  6ne  sienna-yellow,  palest  and  nearly 
white  on  the  throat,  and  deepest  on  the  abdomen  and  nuchal  collar. 
Tibiae  reddish-yellow,  with  a  few  brownish  feathers ;  bill  dark,  with 
a  large  light-colored  spot  at  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible.  "  Legs 
dusky  flesh-color ;  irides  br^wn"  (Peale). 

Hab. — Feejee  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus,  Washington. 

One  of  the  most  handsome  birds  of  this  group,  and  which  we  have 
not  been  able  to  refer  to  any  description  with  which  we  are  acquainted. 
It  resembles  in  a  considerable  measure,  the  preceding  {T.  tuta),  but  is 
suialler,  and  the  under  parts  at  all  ages  are  handsome  reddish-yellow, 
somewhat  similar  in  shade  to  that  color  in  T.  vagans,  but  paler  and 
more  delicate.  It  is  evidently  a  distinct  species,  and  is  apparently 
peculiar  to  the  Feejee  Islands. 

Several  specimens  of  this  bird  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedi- 
tion. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale :  "  This  pretty  species  is  distributed  over 
a  greater  part  of  the  Feejee  Grocp  of  islands.  It  is  solitary  in  its 
habits,  frequents  the  mangroves  which  skirt  the  inner  verge  of  the  coral 
belts,  and  is  most  commonly  found  near  the  salt  water,  where  fish  and 
crabs  abounding,  would  lead  us  to  suppose  that  such  were  its  foo  ",  but 
we  never  y-AW  it  capture  anything  but  insects;  fragments  of  grasshop- 
pers were  the  ordinary  contents  of  the  stomachs  of  those  we  dissected. 
We  were  not  so  fortunate  as  to  find  the  nest  or  eggs  of  this  species, 
but  killed  numbers  of  the  birds,  as  they  were  quite  common.  The 
females  scarcely  difler  from  the  males  when  in  full  plumage,  but  are 
not  quite  so  richly  colored." 

The  fact  that  the  birds  of  this  genus  are  at  least  partially  insect- 
eaters,  and  in  some  species  perhaps  mainly  dependent  on  that  descrip- 
tion of  food,  is  well  established  by  the  observations  of  the  naturalists 
of  the  Expedition.     T.  vwjaus,  however,  according  to  Dr.  Pickering, 


INSESSOBES. 


197 


appears  to  be  rather  an  exception,  as  will  appear  from  his  notes  in  our 
article  on  that  species.  It  may  be  stated  generally,  that  these  birds 
do  not  capture  fishes  at  all,  nor  do  they  show  address  and  courage  in 
plunging  into  the  water  like  nearly  all  the  birds  of  this  family,  but 
subsist  mainly  on  the  lower  orders  of  animals,  reptiles,  Crustacea,  and 
insects.  Some  species,  it  is  stated,  live  exclusively  in  the  forest,  with- 
out even  showing  any  considerable  partiality  for  the  vicinity  of  water. 
Our  plate  represents  the  adult  male  and  young  female  of  this  species 
of  the  natural  size. 


3.   TODIRAMPHUS  VAGANS  {L&tson). 

Ahrilo  viiifanit,  Lesson,  Voy.  Coquille,  Zool.  I,  p.  694  (1826). 
Akcilo  vyunea,  FoiisTER,  Desc.  An.  p.  70  (1844). 

Voy.  Erebus  and  Terror,  Birds,  Plate  I ;  Reichenbach,  Birds,  Plate 
CCCCXIX,  figs.  3138,  39. 

Numerous  specimens  of  this  species  are  in  the  collection,  all  of 
which  are  from  New  Zealand.  It  is  one  of  the  handsomest  of  the  birds 
of  this  difficult  group,  and  is  one  of  the  most  easy  to  be  recognized, 
though  presenting  some  sexual  and  other  variations  in  plumage.  It 
appears  to  have  been  the  only  species  of  the  Genus  Todiramphxis  ob- 
served by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  to  prey  on  fishes. 

Of  this  species,  Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  In  the  recesses  between  the  numerous  promontories  in  the  Bay  of 
Islands,  extensive  groves  of  trees  [Abiesenia  tomentosa),  may  be  seen 
growing  in  the  salt  water,  like  mangroves,  which  are  the  resorts  of 
ducks,  cormorants,  and  other  water-fowl,  when  the  tide  rises  suffi- 
ciently to  overUow  the  soil  on  which  tiiey  grow.  In  such  localities 
we  have  seen  the  white-fronted  Dacdo  perched  on  a  dead  branch, 
patiently  watching  the  small  fishes.  It  would  plunge  into  the  water, 
seize  and  carry  its  struggling  pu  v  to  the  nearest  branch,  and  there 
swallow  it  whole,  precisely  in  the  same  way  and  with  as  much  skill  as 
0  true  kingfisher.  At  other  times,  we  have  followed  and  shot  it  in 
retired  forests,  where  its  food  was  insects." 

In  Dr.  Pickering's  notes  we  find  the  following  in  allusion  to  the  pre- 
sent species : 

60 


l;t.^d? 


im^ 


i  'ii 


',.  i;:^^| 


1  ■;;;■' 


I  ■••^ 


198 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


"  On  the  shores  of  the  Bay  of  Islands,  this  bird  is  frequently  to  be 
seen  perched  in  the  trees,  and  generally  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of 
the  water.  I  did  not  observe  it  in  the  interior  of  the  island.  It  ap- 
pears to  be  solitary  and  usually  silent,  though  it  occasionally  uttered  a 
harsh  note  several  times  repeated. 

"  Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  nearly  related  species  previously 
seen  by  us  live  habitually  in  the  forests  and  subsist  on  land  animals, 
the  New  Zealand  bird  has  entirely  the  habits  of  a  kingfisher.  I  have 
myself  seen  it  dart  into  the  water  after  fishes  in  the  same  manner." 


I  4.  ToDiRAMPHUS  RECURViKOSTRis,  Lafresnaije. 

fodlramphui  renirv!rostr!»,  Lafresnaye,  Rev.  Zool,  1842,  p.  134  (May). 
Hahyon  plalyrostrix,  GouLi>,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1842,  p.  72  (June). 
Dacelo  minima,  Peal£,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  159  (Ut  edition,  1848).* 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XV II,  figs.  1,  2.     Male  and  Female. 


Of  this,  the  smallest  species  of  this  group  yet  known  to  naturalists, 
we  have  gi\  en  figures  of  adults  of  both  sexes,  though  well  described  by 
the  distinguished  authors  above  cited.  Several  specimens,  all  of  which 
are  from  the  Samoan  Islands,  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition, 
and  are  generally  in  excellent  plumage  and  good  condition. 

*  "Crown,  back,  wings,  and  tail,  cobalt  blue;  rump  lighter;  scapulars  with  a  slight 
tinge  of  green;  collar  buff,  margined  with  black,  just  above  it  a  white  nuchal  spot,  not 
visible  without  raising  the  featiiers,  which  have  a  white  band  near  the  end  ;  auriculara 
black,  tipped  with  blue,  a  piilo  buff  spot  over  each  nostril,  which  joins  a  narrow  super- 
ciliary line;  throat  white;  breast,  belly,  vent,  and  under  tail-coverts,  buff  or  pale  cinna- 
mon, darkest  near  the  vent,  and  gradually  fading  into  the  white  of  the  throat.  Tail 
slightly  rounded,  consisting  of  twelve  feathers,  dark  lead-color  on  the  under  surface, 
shafts  white  beneath,  black  above;  wings  rounded;  primaries  black,  the  outer  edge  blue, 
third  longest,  first  and  fifth  equal;  under  wing-coverts  buff;  all  the  plumage  except  that 
of  the  throat,  black  near  the  skin ;  bill  much  flattened  and  shaped  like  that  of  D.  nulli' 
torquis;  irides  hazel;  feet  bluish  lead-color. 

"  Total  length,  seven  and  three-eighths  inches ;  extent  of  wings,  eleven  and  a  half 
inches ;  wings,  from  the  carpal  joint,  three  and  a  half  inches ;  tarsi,  half  an  inch ;  middle 
toe  including  the  nail,  seven-tenths  of  an  inch ;  nail,  one-fuurth  of  an  inch,  broad  and 
flattened  to  a  sharp  edge  inside;  hind  toe,  four-tenths  of  an  inch;  claw,  two-tenths  of 
an  inch ;  tail,  two  and  three-tenths  inches ;  bill,  one  and  one-twentieth  of  an  inch ;  to 
the  angle  of  the  uioutb,  one  and  a  half  inches.     Male." 


INSESS0RE8. 


199 


The  name  recurvlrostris,  applied  to  this  little  bird  by  the  Baron 
Lafresnaye,  is  that  entitled  to  adoption  on  account  of  a  very  short 
period  of  priority.  It  cannot  be  regarded,  however,  as  appropriate  in 
any  very  considerable  degree,  as  the  bill  of  this  species  is  no  more 
recurved  than  that  of  other  species  of  this  genus,  and  is  only  character- 
istic of  young  birds,  to  such  extent  as  to  warrant  a  special  designation. 
The  recurved  character  in  adult  birds  of  this  group  is  of  the  lower 
mandible  only,  and  very  similar  in  various  species. 

Mr.  Peale's  remarks  on  this  bird  are  as  follows  :  '       - 

"  This  is  the  smallest  species  of  the  genua  observed  by  the  members 
of  the  Expedition.  It  was  found  at  the  Island  of  Upolu,  one  of  the 
Samoan  or  Navigator's  Group,  and  there  confined  itself  within  the 
recesses  of  the  forest.  In  manners  it  much  resembles  the  jacamars 
{Galbulce),  of  South  America,  sitting  for  hours,  as  they  frequently  do, 
to  watch  for  passing  prey.  It  pi-efers  the  shady  humid  woods ;  there 
the  snap  of  its  bill,  while  catching  insects  by  darting  from  its  perch, 
will  probably  first  call  the  attention  of  the  hunter  to  it.  Like  most 
of  its  congeners,  it  is  noisy,  but  its  notes  have  nothing  but  their  pecu- 
liarity to  recommend  them.  .  /• 

"  The  females  are  similar  to  the  males  in  dimensions  and  appearance, 
but  they  are  not  so  deeply  colored,  and  the  blue  inclines  to  a  green." 

Our  figures  of  this  bird  are  of  the  size  of  life,  and  represent  both 
Hexes. 

5.  TODIRAMPUUS  DIVINUS,  LessoH. 


Todiramphvs  d!vinm,  Less.  Voy.  Coquille,  Zool.  I,  p.  667  (1826). 

Daielo  nullilorquis,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  155  (1st  ed.  1848).* 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XVIII,  figs.  1,  2,  Adults,  3,  Young. 

*  "  Head,  neck,  back,  and  rump,  olive-green;  wings  dusky  verditer-blue,  the  inner 
webs  of  the  quills  black,  third  primary  longest,  under  coverts  white ;  tail  slightly  rounded, 
above  dusky  verditer-blue,  beneath  black ;  shafts  dusky ;  under  coverts  white ;  throat, 
breast,  and  abdomen  white ;  bill  black  above,  white  beneath ;  legs  dusky  red ;  all  the 
plumttgc  bluck  at  the  roots,  excepting  that  of  the  throat,  which  is  entirely  white;  irides 
brown.     Mule. 

"Total  length,  seven  and  a  half  inches;  bill,  one  and  one-tenth  of  an  inch;  to  the 
gape,  one  and  four-tenths  of  an  inch ;  tarsi,  eleven-twentieths  of  an  inch ;  middle  toe, 
half  an  incu ;  claw,  one-fourth  of  an  inch ;  ttil,  two  and  seven-tenths  inches ;  wing,  from 
the  carpal  joint,  four  inches." 


200 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Numerous  specimens  of  this  plain  but  interesting  little  species  are 
in  the  collection,  and  are  remarkably  uniform  in  their  characters,  pre- 
senting only  diflerenccs  of  minor  importance.  It  appears  to  inhabit 
exclusively  the  Society  Islands. 

This  bird  has  frequently  been  confounded  with  the  young  of  7h(U- 
ramplius  lata  (Gmelin),  which  is  the  same  as  T.  eacer,  of  the  same 
author,  and  resembles  it  very  considerably.  The  two  species  are, 
however,  quite  distinct,  and  are  not  difficult  to  distinguish  from  each 
other,  on  comparison,  the  present  being  the  smaller.  Other  points  we 
hope  to  /ender  intelligible  in  a  synopsis  of  the  species  of  this  genus  in 
the  pages  succeeding,  with  the  assistance  of  figures  given  in  the  Atlas 
to  our  present  volume. 

In  adult  plumage,  this  is  one  of  the  most  easily  recognized  birds  of 
the  genus  Todlnimpfius,  and  is  one  of  the  plainest  in  plumage,  having 
no  pretensions  to  that  beauty  of  plumage  which  characterizes  nearly 
all  the  species  of  this  group.  It  is,  too,  a  species  not  very  nearly  re- 
sembling any  other  when  adult,  except  as  above  stated,  bearing  some 
resemblance  to  the  young  of  T.  tula. 

Under  the  head  of  this  species,  Mr.  Peale  gives  the  following : 

"  A  party  from  the  Exploring  Squadron  crossed  the  Island  of  Tahiti, 
from  Point  Venus,  Matavai  Bay,  following  the  course  of  the  River 
Popino,  and  crossing  Lake  Waharea  to  the  opposite  coast  at  Wairidi. 
Tlie  route  was  both  difficult  and  dangerous,  owing  to  the  incessant 
rains  which  fall  on  the  upper  parts  of  the  mountains,  and  nourish  a 
profuse  vegetation  on  places  so  steep  that  it  appears  to  us  impossible 
that  the  heavy  trunks  of  the  /et'«  or  wild  plantains,  arborescent  ferns, 
other  plants,  and  even  trees,  should  find  sufficient  soil  to  support  their 
roots.  By  these,  in  some  places,  we  were  obliged  to  climb  in  positions 
which  were  really  frightful,  but  were  gratified  by  seeing  the  breeding- 
places  of  sundry  sea-birds,  including  the  vEthereal  Tropic  bird.  Petrels, 
and  the  pretty  T/tahissidroina  padfica,  all  of  which  secure  their  eggs 
and  young  in  holes,  while  on  the  less  steep  ridges,  we  found  Wilkes's 
pigeon,  doves,  and  many  smaller  birds. 

"  In  the  secluded  valleys,  the  dead  silence  which  generally  prevailed 
was  now  and  then  disturbed  by  the  garrulity  of  a  homely  bird,  the 
sul)ject  of  our  present  description,  as  it  flew  from  one  dead  tree  to 
another,  where,  watching  for  its  prey,  which  consists  of  insects,  it  is 
usually  silent."  - 

We  have  to  regret  that  we  find  so  little  recorded  by  the  naturalists 


INSESSORRS. 


201 


of  the  Expedition  in  reference  to  thia  curious  nnd  apparently  commou 
species.  It  appears  to  bo,  at  luiutt  to  some  extent,  an  insect^ater, 
though  perhaps  not  exclusively. 

We  have  seen  this  singular  little  species  only  from  the  Society 
Islands,  and  almost  without  exception  from  the  Island  of  Tahiti, 
though  we  have  occasionally  seen  it  cited  as  an  inhabitant  of  the 
Sandwich  Islands.  It  may  inhabit  the  latter;  but  specimens  have 
never  come  under  our  notice. 

This  species  may  be  regarded  as  the  type  of  a  peculiar  group,  pro- 
bably subgeneric  in  its  character.  It  is  one  of  the  smallest,  as  well 
as  plainest  colored  of  the  birds  of  this  genus. 

The  figures  in  our  plate  are  of  the  size  of  life.  The  adult  male  and 
female  are  represented  in  figs.  1  and  2,  the  young  in  fig.  3.  All  are 
from  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 


SI 


202 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


AN  ATTEMPT  TO  ARRANOE  AND  DESCRIBE  THE  SPECIES  OF 
BIRDS  OF  THE  GENUS  TODIHAMPHUS,  LESSON. 


Genus  TODIRAMPHUS,  Le»»n»,  Voy.  Coquillc,  Zoologio,  I,  p.  684 
(Quarto,  Paris,  1820). 

Orig.  Desc. — {Types  T.  iuta  and  T.  DmnuH.)  "  Gcs  huUrampfiea  out  le 
hec  droit,  d,  mandihule  iitfvrienre  trcad^j/^rement  reiijiee,  tr^s-depriniS, 
phiM  lartje  que  hmt,  sans  ar^te,  i\  mandibulcs  /^i/aht,  otttuses  an  ftout  et 
ajtlaties,  d,  horda  entidrement  liaaea  ;  mwiiica  Ixtaidea  en  Jisaure  ohfique 
trh-peu  apiMirente,  bordeca  par  lea  plumes  dn  front ;  a  ilea  coiirtea,  ar- 
rondiea,  premih'e  rentije  plua  courte,  la  quotri^nc,  la  plm  lontjtte ; 
queue  longue,  tt  rectricea  ^yalea  au  nondtre  de  doiizc ;  taraea  alontj^a 
mediocrea,  reticulea." 

Description  by  us. — Bill  straight,  brond  and  depressed,  with  the 
ridges  of  both  mandibles  more  or  less  rounded  and  obscure  or  obsolete ; 
inferior  mandible  curved  upwards  fronj  about  its  middle ;  commissure 
nearly  straight  or  slightly  curved  upwards.  Nostrils  small,  basal ;  in- 
serted obliquely. 

Wings  short,  rather  rounded,  first  quill  shortest,  third  and  fourth 
usually  longest;  tail  moderate,  composed  of  twelve  feathers,  generally 
slightly  rounded ;  tarsi  and  feet  weak,  and  covered  with  scales,  the 
latter  with  the  outer  and  middle  toes  united  to  their  first  joint ;  claws 
rather  large,  curved. 

General  form  short  and  robust,  allied  to  Halcyon,  Sw.,  from  which 
all  the  species  that  we  have  seen  may  readily  be  distinguished  by  the 
more  flattened  bill,  in  which  the  ridges  arc  scarcely  discernible  (com- 
pared with  H.  amyrnenaia,  atiicaptllua,and  cyanoccntrla).  In  Halcyon, 
the  bill  is  nearly  quadrangular,  and  the  ridges  of  both  mandibles 
strongly  defined. 

Colors  of  the  typical  species,  generally  liglit-blue  (ultramarine  and 
cobalt),  with  various  shades  of  green  (mostly  prussian-green),  white, 
and  fine  orange  or  buff  (sienna).  Other  species  are  deep  brownish- 
green,  and  white ;  and  others  of  various  shades  of  reddish-brown,  green. 


I  N  S  E  S  8  0  R  E  S. 


203 


and  white.  Typical  species,  T.  clihria,  nnd  others,  intimately  resem- 
bling each  other.  The  orange  or  buff  colors  appear  to  prevail,  espe- 
cially  in  the  males  when  fully  adult,  but  in  some  species  in  the  young 
birds. 

Species  of  this  gonus  apparently  inhabit  all  the  many  islands  of  the 
Pacific  and  Indian  Oceans,  and  some  species  bear  intimate  resemblance 
to  each  other,  but  are  peculiar  to  different  groups  of  islands. 

A.  The  species  which  are  well  established,  and  of  all  of  which  spe. 
cimens  are  now  before  us,  are  as  follows ; 


1.   TODIRAMPIIUS  CULORIS  [Boihl.). 

Atceffo  chlon's,  BoDDAERT,  Tab.  de«  PI.  Enl.  p.  40  (Folio,  Utrecht,  1783). 
A/cedo  collaris,  ScoroLi,  J)ol  Flor.  et  Fuuu.  Insub.  pt.  II,  p.  90  (1780). 
Atciih  chhrorephala,  Omelin,  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  454  (1788). 

Tdiliramphui  siqicrciliosa,  Gray,  Beicbenbach,  VoUst.  Naturg.  PI.  CCCCXVIII,  figs. 
81S4,  35. 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  783,  fig.  1 ;  Swains.  Zool.  111.  I,  Plate  XXVII;  Reich- 
enbach,  Vollst.  Naturg.  Birds,  Plate  CCCCXVII,  figs.  3128,  29. 

Form. — Bill  rather  compressed  towards  the  point,  and  with  the  inferior 
mandible  but  slightly  curved  upwards.  Wings  with  the  third  quill 
slightly  longest,  but  with  the  fourth  nearly  equal ;  tail  distinctly 
rounded. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  from  tip  of  bill  to  end  of  tail, 
about  nine  inches ;  wing,  four  and  one-fourth  inches ;  tail,  two  and 
three-fourths  to  three  inches. 

Colors. — A  distinct  narrow  stripe  of  white  from  the  aperture  of  the 
nostril  to  the  eye,  and  slightly  over  it,  but  in  some  specimens  with 
difficulty  traceable  to  the  occiput,  on  which  is  a  concealed  transverse 
bar  of  white,  formed  by  every  feather  having  a  subterminal  bar  of  this 
color,  and  tipped  with  greenish-blue.  Space  between  the  eye  and  bill 
black.  A  broad  band  commencing  at  and  slightly  under  the  base  of 
the  lower  mandible,  extending  to  the  occiput,  composed  of  feathers 
which  are  black  at  their  bases  and  narrowly  tipped  with  blue.     This 


u, 


a 


204 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


band  appearing  nearly  black  in  some  specimens ;  in  others,  scarcely  to 
be  distinguished  from  the  similt^r  blue  of  the  head. 

Head  above  and  superior  surface  of  the  body,  prussian-green,  chang- 
ing to  cobalt-blue  on  the  rump,  and  ultramarine  on  the  wings  and 
tail. 

Entire  inferior  surface  and  broad  ring  around  the  neck,  pure  white. 

The  white  spot  between  the  eye  and  the  bill,  slightly  tinged  with 
fulvous  in  some  specimens,  and  the  inferior  surface  of  the  body  also 
very  slightly  so  tinged  occasionally,  but  no  trace  of  fulvous  on  the 
occiput,  nor  of  any  decided  or  strong  shade  of  this  color  on  any  part. 

Bill,  with  the  ''.pper  mandible  and  tip  and  edges  of  the  under  man- 
dible, dark  brownish-black,  other  portion  of  the  under  mandible  white. 
Tibia  brown,  with  some  bluish  feathers. 

Young  male?  Siniilar  to  the  adult,  but  with  the  white  stripe  from 
the  nostril  to  the  occiput  well  defined ;  plumage  of  the  breast  narrowly 
tipped  and  edged  with  black ;  wing-coverts  edged  with  yellowish-white. 
In  another  nearly  adult  specimen  from  Timor,  the  superciliary  stripe 
does  not  exist,  and  in  other  respects  also  it  is  precisely  identical  with 
specimens  from  Java.  This  stage  of  plumage  appears  to  be  the  bird 
iigured  by  Reichenbach  (PI.  CCCCXVII!,figs.  3134,  35),  as  T.  super- 
ciliosa,  Gray. 


Ten  specimens  of  this  well-know.i  spocies  are  before  us,  four  of 
which  are  from  the  Island  of  Java,  two  from  Borneo,  three  from  un- 
knorai  localities,  and  one  represented  to  be  from  Abyssinia. 

This  species  appears  to  be  widely  distributed  throughout  the  islands 
of  the  Malay  Archipelago,  and  the  Philippines.  We  cannot  see  that 
there  are  any  differences  in  the  descriptions  or  figures  wJiich  we  have 
cited,  sufficient  to  raise  a  presumption  that  they  apply  to  distinct 
species.  Ginelin's  name  is  given  on  the  faith  of  Buffon's  descrip- 
tion and  figure,  who,  although  he  first  describes  the  bird  as  from 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  subsequent!^  in  the  same  article  states  that 
it  inhabits  the  Island  of  Bouro. 

Scopoli's  name  is  given  to  a  bird  described  and  figured  by  Sonnerat, 
in  "  V^oyage  a  la  Nouvelle  Guini^e,"  III,  p.  67.,  PI.  XXXIII  (Quarto, 
Paris,  1770).  Sonnerat's  figure  is  scarcely  recognizable,  which  is  the 
case  with  many  others  in  his  plates,  but  it  and  his  description  appear 
to  be  applicable  to  the  same  species  described  by  Gmelin. 

There  are  very  slight  traces  in  any  of  the  specimens  that  we  have 


INSESSORES. 


205 


seen,  of  the  fine  sandy  fulvous  (sienna),  superciliary,  or  occipital  stripes, 
and  none  of  that  color  on  the  under  parts  of  the  body,  which  prevail 
to  a  greater  or  less  extent  in  several  of  the  succeeding  species  described 
in  this  synopsis.  There  is  no  distinct  superciliary  white  stripe  from 
the  bill  over  the  eye  to  the  occiput  in  specimens  which  appear  to  be 
adult,  much  less  does  that  character  appear  well  defined  and  conspi- 
cuous at  all  ages,  as  in  several  of  the  following,  thougtx  in  general 
characters,  they  may  be  regarded  as  nearly  allied  to  the  present  bird. 
It  is  possible,  however,  that  the  distinctness  of  the  superciliary  stripe 
may  be  more  characteristic  of  the  young  of  the  present  bird. 

The  species  now  before  .us,  is  the  best  known  and  apparently  the 
most  common  and  widely  diffused  bird  of  this  genus. 


2.   TOWRAMPHUS  OCCIPITALIS,  Bhjth. 
Todiramphus  occipitalis,  Blyth,  Jour.  As.  Soc.  Bengal,  XV,  pp.  23,  51  (184G). 


Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XIX,  fig.  1.    Adult. 

Very  similar  in  form  and  colors  to  the  preceding  species  {T.  cidoris), 
but  with  rather  a  broad  and  well-defined  stripe  of  white  from  the 
nostril  over  the  eye  to  the  occiput,  which  stripe  in  the  young  bird  is 
tinged  with  fulvous. 

Adult.  Entire  upper  parts  of  body,  wings,  and  tiiil,  blue,  tinged  on 
the  back  with  dull  green ;  under  parts  white.  A  conspicuous  stripe  from 
the  nostril  over  the  eye  to  the  occiput  white,  beneath  which  is  another 
broad  stripe,  from  the  base  of  the  bill,  through  and  under  the  eye  black, 
tinged  with  blue,  both  the  white  and  black  stripes  very  conspicuous 
on  the  occiput.  Young,  with  the  plumage  of  the  upper  parts  more 
tinged  with  green,  and  the  superciliary  stripe  and  under  parts  tinged 
with  fulvous. 


Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  nine  inches;  wing,  four 
and  one-fourth  inches;  tail,  three  inches;  bill,  two  and  one-fourth 
inches. 

•i 

Hah. — Nicobar  Islands.  Timor.  Specimen  in  Mus.  Acad.  Phila- 
delphia. 

sa 


206 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Of  this  species,  we  have  seen  only  a  single  specimen  which  is  in 
nearly  adult  plumage;  and  is  labelled  as  from  the  Island  of  Timor.  It 
is  very  nearly  related  to  T.  cldoris,  from  which  in  fact  it  is  difficult  to 
distinguish  it  by  any  other  character  than  its  white  superciliary  stripe. 
We  copy  the  description  of  the  young  bird  from  that  by  Mr.  Blyth,  as 
above  cited,  though  all  the  characters  are  to  be  seen  in  the  present 
specimen,  though  but  faintly  marked. 

Our  plate  represents  this  bird  of  the  size  of  life. 


3.    TODIRAMPHUS  TUTA  {Gm.). 

.Ucfdo  tufa  e(  sacra,  Gmelin,  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  453  (1788);  Lesson,  Voy.  Coquille, 
Zoologie,  I,  p.  C8G,  and  Mem.  Soc.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  III,  p.  421,  PI.  XI  (1827). 

Alcedo  venerata,  G.M.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  453 ;  Pelzeln,  Sitzungs  Akad.  Vienna,  1856, 
p.  503, 

Ducelo  coronata,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Kxp.  Birds,  p.  160  (1st  edition,  1848). 

JMcelo  albi/romi,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  1G2  (no  description). 

Atla.s,  Ornithology,  Plate  XV.  ' 

Having  before  us  fifteen  specimens  of  this  very  difficult  species,  wo 
propose  to  describe  the  four  stages  of  plumage  into  which  they  appear 
tg  us  to  admit  of  division.  Seven  of  these  specimens  are  from  Tutu- 
ila,  one  of  the  Samoan  Islands,  and  belong  to  the  collection  made  by 
the  Expedition;  two  others,  marked  as  from  Viti,  one  of  the  Feejees, 
belong  to  the  same.  One  other,  the  most  adult,  is  from  Tahiti,  one  of 
the  Society  Islands,  and  five  others  are  from  Borabora,  another  of  the 
Society  Islands.  The  latter  belong  to  the  collection  of  the  Philadel- 
phia Acadejny.  We  may,  perhaps,  be  excused  for  premising  that  the 
j'oung  bird  of  this  species  bears  a  remarkable  resemblance  to  ToiUram- 
jJius  iJivinm,  Lesson  (described  below),  but  is  clearly  distinct.  The 
two  specimens  from  Viti  are  the  larger. 

Adult  male,  is  Alcedo  sacra,  Gm.  (PI.  XV,  fig.  1),  which  is  described 
8ub.sequently  to  A.  tula,  of  the  same  author. 


Orig.  Desc. — "  A.  ex  dilute  cacrideo  virldh,  sulfus  alba,  snpercdiia 
pallide  /erruyineiui,  rcm'uj'dnia  caudaque  nigricantibua.  Habitat  in 
inaulia  Sucietatis." 


INSESSORES. 


207 


FoBM. — Compact  and  robust.  Smaller  than  the  preceding ;  bill  shorter  j 
tarsi  and  toes  more  slender,  and  the  latter  shorter.  Wings,  with 
the  third  quill  slightly  longest,  but  nearly  equalled  by  the  second 
and  fourth  ;  tail  rounded. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  of  skin,  from  tip  of  bill  to  end  of  tail, 
about  eight  and  a  half  inches  ;  wing,  three  and  three-fourths  inches ; 
tail,  two  and  three-fourths  inches. 

Colors. — A  conspicuous  band  from  the  nostril  over  the  eye  to  the 
occiput,  white,  tinged  with  orange.  Head  above  from  the  bill  to  the 
occiput,  fine  blue,  which  color  is  completely  inclosed,  except  at  the 
base  of  the  bill,  by  the  white  band  commencing  at  the  nostril,  the 
orange  tinge  of  which  latter  is  most  observable  on  the  edges  of  this 
blue  color.  At  the  base  of  the  bill,  slightly  under  its  base,  and  from 
behind  the  eye,  a  band  of  the  same  fine  blue  extends  to  the  occij-'it, 
but  the  feathers  of  which  are  black  at  their  bases ;  back,  rump,  wings 
and  tail  blue,  with  a  shade  of  prussian-green  on  the  back,  and  inclin- 
ing to  ultramarine  on  the  wings  and  tail,  and  cobalt  on  the  rump. 
Entire  inferior  surface  of  the  body,  and  collar  around  the  neck,  white. 
Tibia  blue ;  bill,  with  the  superior  and  point  of  the  inferior  mandible, 
brownish-black ;  base  of  the  inferior  mandible  white. 

Young  male?  is  Dacelo  coronata,  Peale  (PI.  XV,  fig.  2). 

Bill  rather  shorter  than  in  the  adult.  Broad  frontal  band  and  wide 
stripe  extending  over  the  eye  to  the  occiput,  white,  tinged  with  orange 
buff.  Vertical  spot  fine  blue,  widely  edged  with  the  deep  orange  buff 
which  fades  into  white ;  band  from  behind  the  ear  to  the  occiput  nar- 
row, with  the  blue  color  distinct  only  immediately  behind  the  eye,  and 
nearly  black  thence  to  the  occiput.  This  occipital  band  almost  obsolete 
in  some  specimens,  or  its  place  only  indicated  by  a  band  of  pale  orange. 

Entire  inferior  surface  from  the  base  of  the  under  mandible  and  wide 
collar  around  the  hind  neck  white,  in  some  specimens,  slightly  tinged 
with  very  pale  buff,  and  the  collar  on  the  neck  behind,  edged  with  a 
deeper  tint  of  the  same  color.  Back,  rump,  wings,  and  tail,  as  in  the 
adult.  Tibia  bi-ownish,  with  some  feathers  of  pale  blue,  and  others 
of  buff;  bill  as  in  the  adult. 

Specimens  from  Tutuila,  in  the  Samoan  Islands. 


i\.; 


V 

%rSm 

1 

)■■ 

tt\.iiJfi|Q| 

h    - 

!p.    'WHl 

'f*    ■  V 

'  ^HJJJk'af^l^ 

fc..^ 

■"'^r^Bsi 

-  .ji',?^^y|j 

!■ 

■■''W^ 

V 

't^\£i 

$    ijHLtt 

' 

■■"  ''^M 

* .  '■ 

^kA«-^ 

Ik' 

'  1w 

p 

■  *  '        iM 

■i^■   ^0^ 

k- 

■Mm 

fMi 


208 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Male  scarcely  adult?  is  the  bird  described  and  figured  by  Lesson  as 
Alcedo  sacra,  Gm. 

Similar  to  the  immediately  preceding  (young  male?),  but  with  the 
frontal,  superciliary  and  occipital  band  pure  white,  or  so  very  slightly 
tinged  as  to  be  almost  imperceptible ;  under  parts  of  the  body  white. 
Vertex  and  back  with  the  green  predominating,  and  in  some  (speci- 
mens, such  is  the  case  on  the  wings  and  tail ;  rump  blue,  deeply  tinged 
with  green,  and  with  a  few  whitish  feathers.  Tibia  with  brown  and 
white  plumage;  bill  as  in  preceding.  In  some  specimens,  the  white 
color  predominates  on  the  head. 

Specimens  from  Borabora,  in  the  Society  Islands. 

Young,  is  Alcedo  tuta,  Gmelin  (PI.  XV,  fig.  3).  v 

Orig.  Desc. — "  A.  macroura,  supra  oUvacea,  auhtvs  alba,  superciliis  albis, 
torque  ex  virescente  nigro.  Rostrum  iiigrum,  mandihula  wferiore  alba, 
pedes  nigri.   Habitat  in  iiieiUa  Tahiti,  incolis  sacra,  8i  pollices  longa'* 

Stripe  from  the  nostril  over  the  eye  to  the  occiput  white,  tinged 
with  buff,  and  many  feathers  edged  and  tipped  with  greenish ;  band 
from  behind  the  eye  to  the  occiput,  brownish-black;  collar  on  the 
neck  behind,  pale  buff,  every  feather  tipped  with  brownish-black.  Head 
above  brownish-green,  which  is  also  the  color  of  the  back,  darker  and 
inclining  to  brownish-black  near  the  neck  ;  wings  and  tail  deep  prus- 
eian-green ;  wing-coverts  and  feathers  of  the  rump  and  upper  tail- 
covorts,  tipped  and  edged  with  yellowish-white. 

Breast,  with  an  obscure  transverse  broad  band  of  brownish-black, 
formed  by  the  feathers  having  narrow  tips  of  that  color ;  throat  and 
other  inferior  parts  of  the  body,  white.  Tibia  brown  and  white ;  bill 
as  in  the  preceding. 

Specimens  described  are  from  Borabora,  one  of  the  Society  Islands. 

This  specicd,  in  this  stage  of  plumage,  resembles  TixUramphus  divi- 
)ius.  Lesson.  It  is,  however,  much  larger,  exceeding  that  species 
upwards  of  an  inch  in  its  total  length,  and  is  of  different  colors.  T. 
dici/ius  has  not  the  supercili.iry  stripe  which  is  very  distinct  in  this 
species,  in  all  of  the  plumages  above  described. 

This  bird  inhabits,  apparently,  the  Samoan,  Society,  and  Feojee 
Groups  of  Islands  in  the  Pacific  Ocean. 


fe-« 


INSESSORES. 


209 


The  name  "  Dacelo  alb} from,  Peale,  MSS.,"  as  above  cited,  is  given 
by  Mr.  Peale  as  a  synonyme  for  Todiramphua  vagana,  but  the  speci- 
men in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  to  which  this  name  is  attached, 
is  the  young  of  the  present  species. 


4.  TODIRAMPHUS  VITIENSIS  {Rale). 

Dacelo  vUiensis,  Peale,  Zool.  Voy.  Vincennes  and  Peacock,  Birds,  p.  15G  (Ist  ed. 
1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XVI. 

Of  this  species,  which  is  nearly  related  to  the  last,  we  have  seven 
specimens  belonging  to  the  collection  made  by  the  Expedition,  and 
collected  in  the  Feejee  and  Tonga  Islands.  They  are  invariably 
smaller  than  the  species  immediately  preceding  {T.  tuta),  and  present 
other  differences. 

Male,  adult?  from  Venua  Levu,  one  of  the  Feejee  Islands. 

Form. — Short  and  robust ;  wings  short,  with  the  second,  third,  and 
fourth  quills  very  nearly  equal  and  longest ;  tail  rounded. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  of  skin,  from  tip  of  bill  to  end  of  tail, 
about  eight  and  one-fourth  inches;  wing,  three  and  a  half  inches  ;  tail, 
two  and  three-fourths  inches. 

Colors. — Stripe  from  the  nostril  over  the  eye  to  the  occiput,  fine 
orange  buff.  Head  above  from  the  bill  to  the  occiput,  fine  blue  (ultra- 
marine), with  a  shade  of  green,  which  color  is  inclosed,  except  in  front 
at  the  base  of  the  upper  mandible,  by  the  buff  stripe  commencing  at 
the  nostril.  At  the  base  of  the  bill,  slightly  under  the  lower  mandi- 
ble and  from  behind  the  eye,  a  stripe  of  the  same  blue  extends  to  the 
occipuL,  all  the  feathers  of  which  (stripe)  are  black  at  their  bases, 
and  appearing  black  when  disarranged.  Back  blue,  deeply  tinged 
with  prussian-green ;  rump  cobalt-blue  ;  wings  and  tail  ultramarine. 

Entire  inferior  surface  of  the  body,  under  wing-coverts,  and  narrow 

collar  around  the  hind  neck,  fine  buff  or  terra  de  sienna,  palest  and 

53 


H 

■  .i 


'^jmi 


^iiJl 


210 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


nearly  white  on  the  throat,  and  deepest  on  the  abdomen  and  collar. 
Tibia  buff,  with  a  few  brownish  feathers.  Bill  dark,  with  a  large 
white  spot  at  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible. 

Younger  male,  from  Ovolau,  in  the  Feejee  Islands.  ,, 

I' 

Superciliary  stripe  deep  orange ;  head  and  back  more  strongly  tinged 
Avith  green,  and  the  stripe  from  behind  the  eye  nearly  black.  Superior 
wing-coverts  edged  with  buff.  Inferior  parts  of  the  body  abd  collar  on 
the  neck  behind  nearly  pure  white ;  plumage  on  the  breast  slightly 
margined  with  black.     Tibia  with  more  brown  feathers  than  the  last. 

Male  ?  from  Viti  Levu,  one  of  the  Feejee  Islands. 

Superciliary  stripe  narrow,  and  much  less  tinged  with  orange ;  in 
some  specimens  nearly  white,  and  in  others,  almost  obsolete.  Back 
prussian-green.  Inferior  parts  of  the  body  and  collar  on  the  neck 
behind  white ;  plumage  on  the  breast  slightly  margined  with  black. 
Tibia  with  the  brown  feathers  predominating. 

There  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  two  specimens,  from 
a  locality  not  stated,  which  I  have,  with  some  hesitation,  concluded 
to  refer  to  this  species.  They  are  both  young  birds,  and  present  a 
remarkable  character  in  the  almost  total  obliteration  of  the  superci- 
liary stripe  which  so  strongly  marks  other  stages  of  plumage  of  the 
species  now  under  consideration.  These  two  specimens  bear  a  great 
general  resemblance  to  the  common  T.  chloria,  of  Java,  but  are  much 
smaller. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  handsome  species  of  this  group,  and  in  adult 
plumage  is  not  difficult  to  recognize.  The  young,  however,  bears 
some  resemblance  to  that  of  several  other  species,  especially  to  the 
preceding. 


5.  ToDiRAMPHUS  VAGANS  (Lesson). 


Afcedo  vai/ang,  Lesson,  Voy.  Coquille,  Zoologie,  I,  p.  094  (1826). 
Alcedo  cj/anea,  FoRSTER,  Deso.  An.  p.  76  (1844). 

Voy.  Erebus  and   Terror,  Birds,   Plate  I;   Reichenbach,  Vollst. 
Naturg.  Birds,  Plate  CCCCXIX,  figs.  3138-39. 


INSESSORES. 


211 


Form. — About  the  size  of  T.  chloris;  bill  and  wings  shorter;  bill 
rounded  above,  but  not  flattened ;  ridge  of  the  under  mandible  as- 
cending from  near  the  base.  Wing  rather  short,  second  quill 
slightly  longest ;  tertiaries  nearly  as  long  as  the  primaries ;  tarsi 
and  tjes  short,  moderate,  or  rather  slender. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  eight  and  three-fourths 
inches  5  wing,  three  and  three-fourths  inches ;  tail,  two  and  ;:hree- 

fourths  inches. 

#      ■ 

Colors. — Adult.  Head  above,  back,  and  scapulars,  dull  green,  with 
a  tinge  of  blue  behind  the  eye  and  on  the  occiput ;  wing-coverts,  outer 
webs  of  quills,  rump,  and  tail  above,  blue,  lightest  on  the  rump. 
Throat  white ;  wide  collar  around  the  back  of  the  neck,  spot  before 
the  eye,  and  entire  under  parts  (except  throat),  fine  dark  buff.  A 
narrow  and  short  superciliary  line,  white ;  a  band  from  the  base  of 
the  bill,  under  the  eye  to  the  occiput,  black,  tinged  with  greenish ;  a 
partially  concealed  spot  of  white  on  the  occiput.  Inner  webs  of  quills 
and  tail  beneath  brownish-black ;  quills  edged  with  dull  white  on  the 
inner  webs.  Younger.  Head  above,  back,  scapular,  and  wing-coverts, 
dull  brownish-green,  the  last  (wing-coverts)  tipped  with  dull  yellow- 
ish ;  throat  white ;  other  under  parts  dull  yellowish  or  buff,  paler  than 
in  the  adult;  feathers  of  the  breast  tipped  with  dark-biown,  predomi- 
nating on  the  sides  (of  the  breast). 

Had. — New  .Zealand.  Specimen  in  Mus.  Acad.  Fhilad.,  and  Nat. 
Mus.  Washington. 

A  rather  strongly  marked  species  comparatively,  and  in  adult  plu- 
mage, or  in  that  plumage  represented  in  the  plate  of  the  Voyage  of 
the  Erebus  and  Terror,  not  difficult  to  recognize.  The  buff  or  sienna 
color  in  the  adult  of  this  bird  is  darker  than  in  either  of  the  preceding. 
It  is  very  handsomely  and  correctly  figured  in  the  Zoology  of  the 
Voyage  of  the  Erebus  and  Terror,  as  above,  and  is  apparently  peculiar 
to  the  Island  of  New  Zealand.  We  have  before  us,  twelve  specimens 
of  this  species  from  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  and  from  the 
Museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy. 


'  ■^?■■ 


■-.  '  ^^ 


212 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


6.    TODIRAMPHUS   SORDIDUS  {Qould). 

Halcyon  sonlida,  GouLD,  Proo.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1842,  p.  72. 

Gould,  B.  of  Au8t.  II,  Plate  XXIII ;  Reichenbach,  Vollst.  Naturg. 
Birds,  Plate  CCCCXIX,  figs.  3136-37. 

Form. — Size  of  T.  chhris.  Bill  long ;  ridge  of  upper  mandible  distinct, 
that  of  the  under  mandible  curved  and  ascending  towards  the  tip 
of  the  bill.  Wing  with  the  third  and  fourth  quills  longest  and 
nearly  equal;  tail  moderate;  tarsi  short,  robust. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  nine  inches;  wing,  four 
and  one-fourth  inches ;  tail,  three  inches. 

Colors. — Adult  from  Northern  Australia.  Head  above,  back,  scapu- 
lars, and  wing-coverts,  brownish-green.  A  band  from  the  base  of  the 
bill  under  the  eye  to  the  occiput,  brownish-black,  some  feathers  of  the 
occiput  above  the  black  band,  white  at  their  bases;  outer  webs  of  quills 
and  tail  above  light  greenish-blue.  Collar  around  the  back  of  the  neck, 
small  spot  at  the  nostril,  and  entire  under  parts,  white,  very  slightly 
tinged  with  dull  yellow  or  buff.  Bill  dark  ;  base  of  lower  mandible 
white;  legs  and  feet  dark.  Under  wing-coverts  white,  some  of  the 
feathers  narrowly  tipped  with  black.     Sexes  similar. 

Hab. — Northern  Australia.    Specimen  in  Mus.  Acad.  Philadelphia. 

About  the  size  of,  and  of  the  same  general  form  as  T.  chhris,  but 
with  the  bill  longer  and  not  so  robust.  The  colors  of  the  upper  parts 
in  the  present  species  are  entirely  different  from  those  of  the  species 
mentioned. 

This  species  is  well  characterized  and  easily  recognized.  Two  spe- 
cimens in  Mr.  Gould's  collection,  now  in  the  Museum  of  the  Philixdel- 
phia  Academy,  and  which  are  the  same  as  figured  by  him  in  Birds  of 
Australia,  are  all  that  we  have  seen  of  this  species.  It  cannot  readily 
be  confounded  with  any  other  bird  of  this  group. 


INSESSORES. 


213 


7.   TODIRAMPHUS  SAUROPHAOUS  (Qould), 

Halcyon  taurophaga,  OouLD,  Proo.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1848,  p.  108. 
"Alcedo  eyanoleuca,  Temm."  Bonap.  Consp.  Av.  p.  157  (not  Vieillot). 
"  Alcedo  albkiUa,  Cuv."  Dumont,  Diet,  dos  Soi.  Nat.  XXIX,  p.  278  ?  (1823). 
Todiramphut  albicilla,  Beiohenbaoh,  VoUst.  Naturg. 

Voy.  Sulphur,  Birds,  Plate  XIX;  Reichenbach,  VoUst.  Naturg. 
Plate  CCCCXVII,  fig.  3130. 

Form. — The  largest  species  of  this  genus.  Bill  long,  very  robust, 
wide ;  ridge  of  upper  mandible  rounded  and  obscure,  that  of  the 
under  mandible  ascending  from  the  middle ;  wing  moderate ;  second 
and  third  quills  longest,  and  very  nearly  equal ;  tail  rather  long ; 
tarsus  short ;  toes  rather  long. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  ten  and  a  half  inches; 
wing,  five  inches ;  tail  three  and  a  half  inches ;  bill,  to  gape,  two  and 
three-fourths  inches. 

Colors. — Adult.  Head,  neck,  and  entire  under  parts  white,  in  some 
specimens  with  a  very  slight  tinge  of  blue  on  the  head.  Upper  parts 
of  body,  outer  webs  of  quills,  and  tail  above,  light  blue,  tinged  with 
green  on  the  back  and  scapulars.  In  one  specimen  now  before  us,  the 
green  of  the  back  is  scarcely  discernible,  in  a  second,  it  is  the  pre- 
dominating color. 

A  narrow  band  behind  the  eye  blue.  Inner  webs  of  quills  and  tail 
beneath,  brownish-black ;  bill  dark ;  under  mandible,  for  two-thirds 
of  its  length  from  the  base,  white ;  feet  dark.  Under  wing-coverts 
white. 

Hab. — New  Guinea.    Specimen  in  Mus.  Acad.  Philadelphia. 

The  largest  of  the  species  of  this  genus,  and  in  which  only  the  head 
is  entirely  white.  In  this  species,  the  bill  is  unusually  long  and  wide, 
and  approximates  to  that  of  Halcyon,  the  wings  and  tail  are  rather 
long,  and  its  entire  organization  is  robust.  It  appears  to  inhabit  only 
the  Island  of  New  Guinea. 

64 


f,ri'  *•:■ 

mi 


I 


p.    ■*"* 


I 


^%. 


214 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Two  specimene,  described  above,  are  all  that  we  have  seen,  both  of 
which  belong  to  the  collection  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy.  This 
species  is  easily  recognized,  and  is  very  handsomely  figured  by  Mr. 
Gould,  in  the  Voyage  of  the  Sulphur,  above  cited. 

We  regard  it  as  by  no  means  certain  that  the  name  Alcedo  aJbicilla, 
Cuv'er,  is  applicable  to  this  species,  though  adopted  by  Prof.  Reichen- 
bach.  In  "  Etudes  sur  les  Types  peu  connus  du  Mus^e  de  Paris,"  in 
Guerin's  Mag.  de  Zool.  1853,  p.  38S,  Dr.  Pucheran  states  that  A.  albi- 
cilia  is  a  distinct  species,  but  in  some  respects  resembling  the  present 
bird. 


8.  ToDiRAMPHUS  SANCTUS,  Yigors  and  Horsfield. 

Ilalcyon  lanclut,  Via.  and  Horsf.  Trans.  Linn.  Soo.  Londou,  XV,  p.  206  (1825). 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  IT,  Plate  XXI ;  White,  Voy.  to  New  South 
Wales,  Plate,  p.  193;  Philips  Voy.  to  Botany  Buy,  Plate,  p.  156; 
Reichenbach,  VoUst.  Naturg.  Birds,  Plate  CCCCXVIII,  figs.  3131, 32, 
33. 

Form. — Smaller  than  either  of  the  preceding.  Bill  having  more  dis- 
tinct ridges  in  both  mandibles,  rather  long ;  ridge  of  the  under  man- 
dible slightly  ascending ;  wing  moderate ;  second  quill  longest ;  tail 
moderate ;  tarsi  short. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  seven  inches;  wing, 
three  and  a  half  to  three  and  three-fourths  inches ;  tail,  two  and  one- 
fourth  to  two  and  a  half  inches. 

Colors. — Adult,  from  Australia.  Head  above,  back,  scapulars,  and 
lesser  coverts  of  the  wings,  dull  green,  with  a  tinge  of  blue ;  greater 
coverts  of  the  wings,  outer  webs  of  quills,  rump,  and  tail  above,  light 
blue ;  a  band  from  the  eye  to  the  occiput  black,  frequently  with  a 
gloss  of  blue  or  green  ;  a  partially  concealed  spot  on  the  occiput,  white, 
(above  the  black  band).  Spot  in  front  of  the  eye  extending  somewhat 
into  a  superciliary  line,  band  inclosing  the  neck  and  entire  under 
parts,  buffer  sienna,  varying  in  shade  in  different  specimens,  generally 
paler  and  nearly  white  on  the  throat  and  deeper  on  the  flanks,  abdo- 


INSESSORES. 


215 


men,  and  under  wing-coverts,  Bomctimes  nearly  pure  white  on  the 
entire  under  parts.  Bill  diirk,  the  basal  portion  of  the  under  mandi- 
ble  white ;  tarsi  and  feet  pale  reddish. 

Younger.  Spots  at  the  base  of  the  upper  mandible  (in  front  of  the 
eye),  flanks,  and  abdomen,  deep  orange ;  throat  white ;  many  feathers  of 
the  breast  narrowly  edged  with  brown.  Another  specimen,  younger? 
Entire  under  parts  dull  white,  slightly  tinged  with  orange  or  buff; 
feathers  of  the  breast  very  distinctly  edged  with  pale  brown ;  wing- 
coverts  edged  with  dull  yellow. 

Had. — Australia.  Borneo?  Sumatra?  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus. 
Washington,  and  Mus.  Acad.  Philudolphta. 

A  species  subject  to  some  variations  in  the  colors  of  both  the  upper 
and  under  parts,  but  not  sufficient  to  render  it  difficult  to  determine. 
Of  twenty-four  specimens  now  before  us,  probably  representing  all  the 
shades  of  color  and  all  ages,  no  one  could  readily  be  mistaken  for 
another  species,  unless  perhaps  for  the  young  of  T.  recurvirostria.  The 
principal  differences  in  specimens  of  this  bird,  are  the  greater  or  less 
intensity  of  the  butf  of  the  under  parts,  quite  dark  in  some,  and  very 
light  lu  others,  and  in  the  darker  or  lighter  shade,  and  greater  or  less 
extent  of  the  green  of  the  head  and  upper  parts  of  the  body.  Speci- 
mens from  tha  collection  of  the  Duke  of  Rivoli,  now  in  the  Museum 
of  the  Philadelpi\ia  Academy,  are  labelled  as  from  Borneo  and  Suma- 
tra.   They  do  not  differ  from  Australian  specimens. 

In  a  catalogue  of  the  family  Ilalcyonidte,  in  the  Museum  of  the 
Philadelphia  Academy,  we  regarded  this  bird  as  Alcedo  amtralmia,  of 
Vieillot.  According  to  Dr.  Pucheran,  however,  in  "  Etudes  sur  les 
Types  peu  connus  du  Mu8»5o  do  Paris,"  in  Guerin's  Mag.  de  Zool.  1853, 
p.  389,  that  name  is  applicable  to  IMcyon  cownatiis,  Miiller,  and  not 
to  this  species. 

This  bird  appears  to  be  of  common  occurrence  throughout  Australia, 
and  is  now  one  of  the  best-known  species  of  this  group.  It  is  very 
handsomely  and  very  accurately  represented  in  Mr.  Gould's  plate, 
above  cited. 


« 'it' 


Sl« 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


9.  ToDiRAMPUUS  RECURViROSTRis,  Lofrtmaye. 

Todiramphu$  reeurvintirii,  Lafh.  Rov.  Zool.  1842,  p.  184  (M>j). 
Halejfim  platirottrit,  OouLD,  Proo.  Zonl.  Soo.  Loudon,  1842,  p.  72  (June). 
Dacelo  minima,  Peau,  Zool.  Voy.  Vinoennei  and  Petoook,  Birdi,  p.  150  (1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XVII. 

Form. — About  the  size  or  rather  smaller  than  7!  sanctxts.  Bill  un- 
usually Mride,  flattened ;  culmen  nearly  obsolete ;  ridge  of  under 
mandible  ascending  from  the  middle ;  >ving  rather  short ;  third  and 
fourth  quills  longest  and  very  nearly  equal;  tail  moderate;  tarsi 
and  toes  short,  and  rather  slender. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  seven  inches;  wing, 
three  and  one-fourth  inches ;  tail,  two  and  three-fourths  inches. 

Colors. — Head  above,  back,  rump,  wings,  and  tail,  light  blue,  tinged 
with  green  on  the  head  and  back,  and  brightest  on  the  rump.  A  band 
from  behind  and  under  the  eye  to  the  occiput  black ;  a  partially  con- 
cealed spot  on  the  occiput,  white  above  the  black  band.  Small  spot 
in  front  of  the  eye,  collar  around  the  back  of  tho  neck,  and  entire 
under  parts,  white,  tinged  with  dull  yellow  or  buff  on  the  flanks,  ab- 
domen, collar,  and  under  coverts  of  the  wings.  Tail  beneath  brown- 
ish-black ;  bill  dark ;  base  of  lower  mandible  white ;  feet  dark. 

Hab. — Samoan  or  Navigator  Islands.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus. 
Washington,  and  Mus.  Acad.  Philadelphia. 


Obs. — In  general  appearance  thi>«  jpecies  somewhat  resembles  the 
common  T.  sandiia,  of  Australia,  but  has  the  bill  much  wider  and 
flatter,  and  the  ridge  of  the  under  mandible  more  distinctly  curved 
upwards.  The  color  of  the  upper  parts  is  also  of  a  more  distinct 
shade  of  blue. 

This  species  appears  to  present  the  usual  variety  of  shades  of  both 
the  upper  and  under  surfaces  of  the  body,  but  is  not  difKcult  to  recog- 
nize. The  only  specimens  that  we  have  seen  are  three,  in  the  collec- 
tion of  the  Exploring  Expedition,  now  in  the  National  Museum,  and 


INSES80RE8. 


217 


one  in  Mr.  Gould's  collection,  now  in  the  Museum  of  the  Philndelphia 
Academy,  and  which  is  the  type  of  his  description  above  cited.  All 
are  from  the  locality  above  given. 

Our  figures  are  of  the  size  of  life,  and  are  from  specimens  in  the 
National  Museum,  brought  by  the  Expedition  in  the  Vincennes  and 
Peacock. 


10.  ToDiRAMPHUS  DiviNUS,  Leseon. 

Tuilirnmphvi  divinun,  Lesson,  Voy.  Coquillo,  Zonl.  I,  p.  687  (182G). 

Dtuelo  niilliturquii,  Pealg,  Voy.  ViDoennea  and  Peacock,  Birds,  p.  155  (1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XVIII. 

Mem.  Soc.  Hist.  Nat.  Paris,  III,  Plate  XII. 

Form. — About  the  size  of,  or  rather  larger  than  T.  sanclna.  Bill  rather 
short,  wide ;  ridge  of  both  mandibles  obscure,  flattened ;  wing 
moderate ;  third  and  fourth  quills  longest  and  nearly  equal ;  tail 
moderate  or  rather  longer  than  usual  in  this  genus ;  tarsus  short. 


Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  seven  and  one-fourth 
inches ;  wing,  three  and  a  half  tu  three  and  three-fourths  inches ;  tail, 
two  and  three-fourths  inches. 


Colors. — Adult  male.  Entire  upper  parts  dull  ^ea-green,  lightest 
behind  the  eye,  on  the  outer  webs  of  the  quills,  and  on  the  tail  above ; 
a  narrow  band  from  the  eye  to  the  occiput  black ;  a  partially  concealed 
spot  on  the  occiput  white.  Small  spot  before  the  eye,  and  entire  under 
parts,  white ;  a  few  feathers  on  the  breast  tipped  with  dark  brown ; 
under  wing-coverts  white ;  bill  dark ;  base  of  under  mandible  white  ; 
tarsus  light.  Female,  adult?  Like  the  preceding,  but  with  a  wide 
band  or  belt  across  the  breast,  brownish-black.  Younger.  Entire 
upper  plumage  dull  greenish-brown ;  pectoral  band  narrower,  but  well 
defined  and  conspicuous. 

Hab. — Tahiti,  Society  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washing- 
ton, and  Mus.  Acad.  Philadelf '  la. 

55 


n 


wm^L 


^■^ 


rtim 


M'k 


^«l 


218 


ORNITHOLOOT. 


The  plainest  colored  and  most  inconspicuous  in  general  appearance 
of  all  the  species  of  this  genus.  In  nearly  all  stages  of  plumage  usually 
n  «t  with,  the  band  across  the  breast  is  a  character  strongly  marked, 
but  is  also  present  in  the  young  of  T.  tvta,  described  in  a  preceding 
page,  with  which  it  has  been  confounded  by  some  authors.  This  cha* 
racter,  however,  disappears  in  the  adult  male,  and  probably  in  the 
adults  of  both  sexes. 

Differences  between  this  species  and  the  young  of  T.  tuta  are  pointed 
out  in  our  description  of  the  latter,  uud  we  have  further  endeavored 
to  elucidate  this  point  by  giving  figures  of  both  in  the  Atlas  accom- 
piinying  the  present  volume.  The  present  species  apf  jars  to  be  pecu- 
liar to  the  Society  Islands.  We  have  before  us,  nine  specimens,  five 
of  which  belong  to  the  collection  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  and 
four  to  that  of  the  Exploring  Expedition,  in  the  Vincennes  and  Pea- 
cock.    These  probably  represent  all  the  changes  of  plumage. 

Our  figures  are  of  the  size  of  life. 


11.  TODIRAMPHUS   PTRRHOPYGIUS  {GouU). 

Ifidryon  jiyrrhopygia,  GouLD,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1840,  p.  113. 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  II,  Plate  XXII;  Foichenbach,  VoUst.  Naturg. 
Plate  CCCCXX,  fig.  3141. 

Form. — Bill  moderate  ;  ridge  of  upper  mandible  obscure  and  flattened, 
that  of  under  mandible  slightly  ascending  towards  the  tip ;  wing 
moderate;  second  quill  longest ;  tail  n'oderate:  tarsus  short. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  sk'.n),  about  seven  nnd  one  half 
inches ;  wing,  three  and  three-fcurths  to  four  inches ;  tail,  two  and 
three-fourths  inches. 


Colors. — Adult.  Back  and  rump  light  rufous.  Head  above,  dull 
bluish-green,  every  feather  edged  with  white.  A  stripe  over  the  eye 
to  the  occiput  white,  another  under  and  behind  the  eye  to  the  occiput 
black,  tinged  with  bluish;  scapulars,  wing-coverts,  outer  edges  of  quills, 
and  tail,  light  blue,  tinged  with  green  on  the  scapulars  and  tail. 

Collar  around  the  back  of  the  neck  and  entire  under  parts  white, 


IN8E8SORES. 


219 


except  a  large  spot  on  the  side  under  the  wing,  which  is  bluish-bhick. 
Bill  dark;  base  of  under  mandible  white;  feet  dark.  Younger.  Bill 
shorter ;  head  above,  scapulars,  and  wing-coverts,  dull  green ;  head 
more  distinctly  striped  with  white,  some  feathers  of  the  breast  edged 
with  dark  brown.     Sexes  alike. 


Hab. — Australia. 
Acad.  Philadelphia. 


Specimen  from  Mr.  Gould's  collection  in  Mus. 


The  color  of  the  back  and  rump  is  a  character  in  this  species  which 
distinguishes  it  from  any  other,  and  is  present  in  all  of  the  four  speci- 
mens now  before  us,  and  of  very  nearly  the  same  extent  and  shade. 
These  specimens  are  from  Mr.  Gould's  Australian  collection,  and  the 
species  appears  to  be  restricted  to  that  continent.  It  is  beautifully 
figured  in  his  great  work  on  the  Birds  of  Australia,  cited  above. 


12.  ToDiRAMPHUs  coRONATUS  (MuUer). 

Halcyon  coronala,  MuLL.  Verb.  Nat.  Gesch.  I,  p.  175  (1844). 
Alcei'o  austrulasia,  ViEiLi.  Nouv.  Diet.  XIX,  p.  419  (1818). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XIX,  fig.  1,  Adult. 

Reichenbach,  Vollst.  Naturg.  Plate  CCCCXX,  fig.  3142. 

Form. — Small,  about  the  size  of  T.  eanchts.  Bill  moderate ;  ridge  of 
uppor  mandible  rounded  and  rather  obscure,  that  of  the  under  man- 
dible ascending  for  about  two-thirds  of  its  length  ;  wing  rather  short ; 
second  and  third  qnills  longest  and  nearly  equal;  tertiaries  long; 
tall  moderate ;  tarsus  short. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  seven  inches;  wing; 
three  and  one-fourth  inches ;  tail,  two  and  a  half  inches. 

Colors. — Head  above  and  back  dull  green,  the  former  tinged  with 
blue ;  wing-cov6rt8,  outer  edges  of  quills,  and  tail  above,  blue ;  pri- 
maries and  tail  !  oneath  brownish-black,  the  former  edged  with  blue 
on  their  outer  webs,  and  with  dull  yellow  <  n  the  inner.     Wide  band 


220 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


from  before  and  through  the  eye  to  the  oticiput,  bright  fulvous,  inclining 
to  rufous;  another  from  the  base  of  the  bill,  under  the  eye,  around  the 
back  of  the  neck,  black,  tinged  with  greenish-blue  under  the  eye  ; 
below  which  black  band  is  another  on  the  upper  part  of  the  back  of 
bright  fulvous,  uniting  with  the  same  color  of  the  under  parts  of  the 
body.  Throat  paler  and  nearly  white  in  some  specimens.  Frontal 
feathers  edged  with  fulvous.  Upper  mandible  dark ;  under  mandible 
white,  with  the  tip  obscure  brown. 

Hab. — Timor.    Specimen  in  Mus.  Acad.  Philadelphia. 

The  parts  which  are  frequently  of  various  shades  of  buff  or  sienna 
i:i  several  other  species  of  this  genus,  in  the  present  bird  are  of  a  much 
deeper  color,  in  fact,  bright  rufous,  darker  on  the  bands  of  the  occiput 
and  neck,  and  paler  on  the  under  parts  of  the  body.  This  species  if 
strongly  characterized  by  the  wide  occipital  band  of  rufous,  und  pre- 
sents, when  viowed  from  behind,  three  wide  and  very  distinct  bands 
on  the  occiput,  neck,  and  upper  part  of  the  buck,  two  of  bright  rufous 
with  one  intermediate  of  black. 

This  bird  approaches  the  genus  Halcyon,  in  which  it  might  be 
arranged  with  nearly  equal  propriety  as  iu  ToLVnimphm.  Two  speci- 
mens only  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Pfiladelphia  Academy,  both 
labelled  as  males,  from  Titnor,  and  aiffering  in  no  important  character. 
We  insert  the  name  Alccdo  nustralasia,  Vieill.,  as  a  synonyme  for  this 
species,  on  the  authority  of  Dr.  Pucheran,  an  eminent  naturalist  of 
Paris,  who  has  rendered  essential  service  in  Ornithology,  by  determin- 
ing many  obscure  types  from  original  specimens.  His  notic  of  this 
bird  is  in  Guerin's  Magazine,  1853,  p.  389.  As  he  observes,  Vieillot's 
name  ought  not  to  be  adopted,  because  it  conveys  an  absolute  error, 
though  having  priority. 

This  bird  is  represented  in  our  plute  of  the  size  of  life. 


13.  ToDiRAMPHUS  ciNNAMOMiNus  {Swaitimn). 


HiilcyoH  cinnamomtntu,  SwAlNS.  Zool.  III.  II,  p.  1  (1821). 
"  Ducelo  rii/reps,  Cuv."  Label  on  spec,  in  RivoJi  coll.  (Mus.  Acad.  Philad.) 
"Ducflo  riijitept,  Cuv.  Gal.  du  Mus."  Les?  >n,  Traite,  p.  247  (1831)? 
"Afeedo  ni/cfp»,  Cuv."  Duinont,  Diet.  Sci.  Nat.  XXIX,  p.  273  (1823)? 
Todiramphut  Reichenbachii,  Hartlaub,  Weigni.  Archiv.  1852,  p.  21? 


INSESSORES. 


221 


Swains.  Zool.  111.  II,  Plate  LXVII;  Reichenbach,  VoUst.  Naturg. 
Birds,  Plate  CCCCXX,  fig.  3140. 

Form. — About  the  size  of  T.  chloris.  Bill  long,  wide ;  ridge  of  upper 
mandible  flattened,  obscuie;  that  of  under  manrlible  ascending 
from  the  middle  of  its  length ;  wing  moderate ;  third  and  fourth 
quills  longest  and  very  nearly  equal ;  tail  moderate ;  tarsus  short ; 
toes  rather  long. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  eight  and  three-fourths 
inches;  wing,  thiee  and  three-fourths  to  four  inches;  tail,  three  and 
one-fourth  inches. 

Colors. — Adult?  Head,  neck,  and  entire  under  parts  fawn,  or 
cinnamon-color,  lighter  on  the  throat;  a  narrow  band  from  behind  and 
below  the  eye  to  the  occiput,  dark  blue.  Back,  rump,  wings,  and  tail 
above,  blue,  tinged  with  green  on  the  back ;  inner  webs  of  quills  and 
inferior  surface  of  tail  brownish-black ;  bill  dark ;  a  large  space  at  the 
base  of  the  under  mandible  white ;  legs  light-colored.  Under  wing- 
coverts  dark  fawn-color.  Younger  ?  Head  above  and  occipital  band 
as  in  preceding.  Back,  wing-coverts,  and  rump,  with  the  green  pre- 
dominating ;  entire  under  parts  white,  with  an  obscure  band  of  fawn- 
color  across  the  breast;  under  wing-coverts  very  pale  buff;  quills  and 
tail  as  in  preceding. 


Hab. — Ladrones  or  Marianna  Islands. 
Philadelphia. 


Specimen  in  Mus.  Acad. 


This  is  a  species  of  very  peculiar  appearance,  but  presenting  con- 
siderable variations  in  color.  In  four  specimenb  now  before  us,  that 
described  first  above  is  apparently  the  most  mature  bird,  and  is  pre- 
cisely as  figured  and  described  by  Mr.  Swainson,  in  Zoological  Illustra- 
tions. Two  others  are  of  the  same  general  colors,  but  have  the  fawn 
or  cinnamon-color  paler,  while  a  fourth,  undoubtedly  the  same  species, 
has  the  entire  under  parts  nearly  pure  white,  with  a  badly  defined 
band  of  buff  or  pale  ftiwn  on  the  breast.  The  last  presents  the  ap- 
pearance of  being  the  youngest  bird,  though  possibly  may  be  in  a  sea- 
sonal plumafje  only  different  from  that  of  the  others. 

Specimens  in  the  Rivoli  collection  now  in  Mus.  Acad.  Philadelphia, 

M 


222 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


II: 
■  I 


are  labelled  as  from  the  Ladrones  or  Marianna  Islands,  which  is  the 
locality  given  by  M.  Dumont,  as  above,  for  "  Alcedo  nijiceps,  Cuv." 
Mr.  Swainson  gives  the  locality  "  New  Zealand,"  probably  erroneously. 
This  bird  appears  to  be  "Dacelo  ruficepa,  Cuv.,"  as  described  by  the 
authors  above  mentioned,  but  nowhere  by  Cuvier  to  our  knowledge. 

In  rather  pale-colored  plumage,  as  alluded  to  above;  the  name  To- 
il iramplma  Beichenbachii,  appears  to  be  applicable  to  the  present  spe- 
cies. This  stage  is  figured  by  Reichenbach,  as  cited  at  the  head  of 
this  article. 


14.  ToDiBAMPHUS  TOROTORO  {Lesson). 

Halcyon  torotbro,  Leh^  Coquille,  Zool.  I,  p.  689  (1826). 

Si/ma  Lesnonia,  SwAiNS.  ■  -b.  Cy.  Birds,  II,  p.  335. 
Halcyon  flavirostrit,  GoULD,  Jard.  Cont.  Orn.  1850,  p.  105. 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  Supp.  Plate  (not  numbered),  Voy.  Coquille,  Ois, 
Plate  XXXI,  fig.  1. 

Form. — About  the  size  of  T.  aanctna.  Bill  moderate ;  lidges  of  both 
mandibles  well  defined ;  that  of  the  under  mandible  ascending  from 
the  middle ;  edges  of  both  mandibles  serrated  in  some  specimens ; 
wing  short;  third  quill  slightly  longest;  tail  moderate;  tarsus 
short ;  toes  rather  long. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  seven  inches;  wing, 
three  inches ;  tail,  two  and  a  half  inches. 

Colors. — Much  resembling  those  of  the  last  {T.  cinnamominus). 
Head,  neck,  and  entire  under  parts,  fawn  or  cinnamon-color,  darker 
on  the  head  above,  and  neck  behind,  and  paler  on  the  under  parts ; 
nearly  white  on  the  throat  and  abdomen ;  narrow  ring  nearly  encir- 
cling the  eye,  black ;  a  band  across  the  occiput  bluish-black.  Back 
and  scapulars  dull  green ;  wing-coverts,  outer  edges  of  quills,  rump, 
and  tail  above,  blue ;  under  wing-coverts  fawu-color.  Bill  yellow ; 
upper  mandible  tipped  with  brown ;  feet  yellow.  Other  specimens 
(which  are  H.  flavirostria),  have  the  wing-coverts  and  outer  edges  of 
quills  dull  green ;  bill  shorter  than  in  the  preceding.     Sexes  alike. 


INSESSORES. 


223 


'    Had. — New  Guinea.   Northern  Australia.   Specimen  in  Mua.  Acad. 
Philadelphia. 

This  Bpecies  is  much  smaller  than  T.  cinnamomimia,  but  resembles 
it,  especially  the  plumage  of  that  stage  described  above  as  supposed  to 
be  the  younger.  Though  to  be  distinguished  immediately  by  their 
size,  this  similarity  will  explain  M.  Lesson's  suspicion  that  the  pre- 
sent bird  is  identical  with  Dacelo  ruficepa,  Cuv.  (Lesson,  Traits  d'Orni- 
thologie,  p.  247,  and  Manuel  d'Ornithologie,  II,  p.  98),  which,  how- 
ever, is  not  the  case. 

At  present,  we  must  regard  specimens  of  H.  flaviroatria,  from  Aus- 
tralia, now  before  us,  as  identical  with  others  from  New  Guinea.  The 
former  appear  to  present  only  the  characters  of  younger  birds,  having 
the  upper  parts  rather  more  decidedly  of  a  green  color,  including  the 
wings,  while  those  apparently  adult,  have  the  wing-coverts  and  edges 
of  primaries  blue. 

The  preceding  fourteen  species  include  all  that  have  come  under 
our  notice,  belonging  to  the  genus  Todiramphus. 

B.  The  following  species  may  be  considered  obscure  or  erroneously 
assigned  to  this  genus. 


1.  Halcyon  vabia,  Ei/ton,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1839,  p.  101. 

Todiramphus  varius  (Etton),  Bljrth,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1839,  p.  101. 

Orig.  Desc. — "  H.  pectore,  gala,  ventre,  atrigaque  oculoa  dngente  ferru- 
gineia ;  capite,  nucha,  et  striga  a  mandibula  inferiore  ad  capiatrum 
brunneia,  aingulia  pennia  tamiia  casruleia  ornatia ;  primariia,  dorao, 
ecajmlaribuaque,  brunneia,  hia  externejlavo  marginalia,  illia  maculatia, 
roatro/lavo,  culmine  obacuro.  Long.  tot.  8i  unc,  roalri  l\l,  tarai  1^',. 
Native  name,  Kaing  Kaing" 

Mr.  Ey ton  gives  the  above  description  in  a  "  Catalogue  of  a  Collec- 
tion of  Birds  from  Malaya."  In  a  paper  entitled  "  Notices  and  De- 
scriptions of  various  New  or  Little-known  Species  of  Birds,  by  Ed. 
Blyth,  Curator  of  the  Asiatic  Society's  Museum,"  in  the  Journal  of 


'%-i 


R^'^p^ 


I 


224 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


the  Asiatic  Society  of  Bengal,  XV,  p.  11,  we  find  a  further  description 
of  apparently  the  same  species : 

"  Tvdirarnphis  varius  ;  Halcyon  varia,  Eyton,  P.  Z.  S.  1839,  p.  101. 
What  I  take  to  be  the  adult  male  (and  perhaps  the  adult  of  either 
sex),  of  this  species,  is  a  beautiful  bird,  the  coloring  of  which  serves 
to  connect  Todiramphua  (as  exemplified  by  T.  collar  is  and  T.  aacer), 
with  Halcyon  atricapillua  {v.  albiventer,  of  Scopoli,  a  name  too  inappro- 
priate to  be  retained),  but  the  beak  is  strictly  that  of  Todiramphua. 

"  Length,  about  nine  inches,  or  nearly  so ;  of  wing,  four  inches,  and 
tail,  two  and  three-eighths ;  bill  to  forehead  (in  rather  the  larger  of 
two  specimens),  an  inch  and  three-fourths,  and  to  the  gape  two  and 
one-fourth  inches ;  tarsus,  five-eighths  of  an  inch.  Cap  green,  rufescent 
on  forehead,  and  margined  posteriorly  with  verditer ;  a  broad  black 
stripe  commences  at  the  lores,  and  meets  its  opposite  behind ;  above 
this  is  a  slight  rufous  supercilium,  and  below  it  a  broad  rufous  streak, 
continued  to  the  nape,  and  comprising  the  lower  ear-coverts ;  below 
this  again,  is  a  very  large  purplish-blue  moustache,  commencing  at  the 
base  of  the  lower  mandible ;  the  nape  and  breast  are  brilliant  ferru- 
ginous, paling  on  the  throat  and  belly ;  and  the  mantle,  wings,  and 
tail,  are  deep  purplish-blue,  each  feather  touched  with  ultramarine 
blue  on  the  wings,  while  the  rump  and  upper  tail-coverts  are  vivid 
verditer;  bordering  the  ferruginous  of  the  nape,  is  a  band  of  deep 
black.  Bill  dusky  above,  the  rest  apparently  bright  yellow,  and  legs 
probably  coral  red.     From  Malacca." 

From  the  similarity  of  these  descriptions,  and  the  identity  of  th.^ 
localities  given,  it  is  very  probable  that  the  same  species  is  alluded  to, 
but  we  consider  it  as  quite  evident  that  it  does  not  belong  to  the  genus 
Todiramphua,  as  regarded  by  any  ornithologist. 

This  bird  undoubtedly  belongs  to  that  group  of  the  genus  Halcyon, 
which  embraces  H.  concreta  (Temm.),  H.  Lindsay i  (Vigors),  H.  mo- 
nacha,  Bonap.,  and  others,  and  the  species  is  very  probably  Halcyon 
concreta,  Temminck,  described  and  figured  by  that  celebrated  natu- 
ralist in  Planches  Coloriees,  IV,  Livraison  58,  PI.  CCCXLVI,  under 
the  name  Dacelo  concreta.  Whether  the  reader  can  coincide  in  this 
opinion  or  not,  he  can  readily  determine  by  comparing  the  description 
either  by  Eyton  or  Blyth,  with  the  plate  of  Temminck,  above  cited, 
with  or  without  specimens,  especially  that  by  Blyth,  inserted  in  this 
article. 


INSES80RES. 


225 


2.    TODIBAMPHUS  FUNEBBIS  (5I0WOJ).). 

"  Balct/on/nnebrit,  FoRST.  Mus.  Lugd."  Bonap.  Cons.  Av.  p.  157  (1850). 

Orig.  Deso. — ** Nigroviridia,  corona  occipitali,  oollan, corporeque  auhtus 
alhia.     Ex  Celebes." 

Though  possibly  belonging  to  this  genus,  the  species  here  indicated 
cannot  be  recognized  from  such  a  description,  and  it  is  for  all  practical 
purposes,  useless.  If  properly  arranged  in  the  genus  Todiraniphus, 
this  is  a  remarkable  species  on  account  of  its  color. 


3.  ToDiRAMPHUS  FoRSTENi  (Bonap.). 

"  Ualcyon  Forsteni,  Temm.  Mus.  Lugd."  B)nap  Cms.  Av.  p.  157  (1850). 

Orig.  Peso. — "  Ccerulea,  stibtus  alba,  corona  occipitall  niyra,  ex  Celebes.'' 

Another  useless  indication,  almost  any  species  being  referable  to  it, 
except  in  point  of  locality. 


4.  Alcedo  albicilla,  Cncier. 

"  Alcedo  albicilla,  Cuv."  Dumont,  Diet,  des  Sci.  Nat.  XXIX,  p.  273  (1823). 
"  Alcedo  (ilbicillu,  Cuv."  Pucheran,  Rev.  et  Mag.  de  Zool.  1853,  p.  388. 
Dacelo  albicilla,  Lesson,  Traite  d'Orn.  I,  p.  247  (1831). 

As  we  have  stated  under  the  head  of  Todiramphua  saurophagtis, 
this  species  is  regarded  by  Dr.  Pucheran,  a  very  competent  naturalist 
of  Paris,  as  distinct  from  all  others.  The  following  are  his  observa- 
tions and  description,  as  above  cited  : 

"  Like  the  preceding"  {Todimmphns  cinnamomeus),  "this  bird  is  a 
native  of  the  Mariannes  Islands,  and  was  derived  from  the  same  Ex- 
pedition" (Voyage  of  the  Uranie). 

"  The  head,  the  upper  part  of  the  neck,  all  the  lower  parts,  the  in- 
ferior wing-coverts,  are  v  hite.    A  transverse  black  band  occupies  the 

57 


226 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


upper  part  of  the  neck,  e\tending  from  the  posterior  angle  of  one  orbit 
to  the  other,  and  near  the  orbits  is  of  a  greenish-gray  color ;  the  upper 
part  of  the  back  between  the  wings,  the  wing-coverts,  and  upper  tail- 
coverts,  are  aquamarine  green  ;  the  first  quill  is  black,  the  others  are 
blue  on  the  outer,  and  black  on  the  inner  webs ;  but  in  proportion  as 
the  quill  becomes  more  internal,  the  first  of  these  colors  encroaches 
upon  the  second,  so  much  that  it  is  very  extensive  on  the  internal 
webs  of  the  secondaries ;  the  tail-feathers  are  black  beneath  and  above, 
like  the  quills ;  the  lower  mandible  is  yellowish ;  the  upper  mandible 
brownish  horn-color ;  tarsi,  toes,  and  nails,  are  the  same  color." 

Total  length,  about  ten  and  a  half  inches  {"  266  millimetres") ; 
tail,  four  inches  ("  101  millimetres") ;  bill,  two  inches  ("  51  millime- 
tres") ;  tarsus,  eight-tenths  of  an  inch  ("  2  centimetres"). 

"  We  possess  two  young  specimens,  brought  also  from  the  Mariannes 
Islands,  by  Messrs.  Quoy  and  Gaimard.  Both  are  colored  beneath  like 
the  adult,  but  in  one  the  green  of  the  back  is  deeper,  in  both,  the  head 
is  green,  with  whit&  spread  here  and  there  upon  the  feathers,  and  as 
this  last  color  occupies  a  part  of  the  upper  part  of  the  neck,  it  results 
that  these  two  individuals  have  a  cervical  collar  of  a  white  color. 

"  This  species  appears  to  me  very  exactly  established.  It  has  in- 
timate relations  with  that  which  Mr.  Gould  has  more  recently  described 
und  figured  in  the  ornithological  part  of  the  Voyage  of  the  Sulphur, 
under  the  name  of  Halcyon,  murophaga.  It  is  distinguished  from  it, 
among  other  characters,  by  rather  smaller  size  and  a  shorter  and  nar- 
rower bill." 

Subsequently,  in  the  same  article,  cited  above,  Pucheran  states  that 
Dacelo  albicilla,  Lesson,  is  the  same  bird,  and  that  the  varieties  A  and 
B,  of  that  author  (Traite  d'Orn.  p.  247),  are  the  two  young  specimens 
alluded  to  by  him,  as  above  given. 

This  species  we  have  never  seen.  We  do  not,  however,  regard  Cu- 
vier's  name  as  entitled  to  any  consideration,  unless  a  description  by 
him  has  been  published,  which  is  not  the  case  to  our  knowledge,  but 
would  regard  Lesson  as  the  proper  authority.  For  a  similar  reason 
we  have  not  adopted  Alcedo  rujiceps,  Cuv.,  for  Halcyon  cinnamomeus, 
Swainson. 


5.  The  following  species  are  included  in  the  genus  TodirampJiua  by 
Bonaparte,  in  Conspectus  Avium,  p.  156,  and  by  Reichenbach  in  VoU- 
standigste  Naturgeschichte,  but  in  our  opinion,  erroneously : 


INSESSORES. 


227 


Halcyon  Macleatii,  Jard.  and  Sdby,  Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  II,  Plate 
XXIV. 
Alcedo  luzuli,  TemmmcJe,  PI.  Col.  508. 
Alcedo  diops,  Temminch,  PI.  Col.  272. 

These  species,  with  others,  are  very  probably  a  subgeneric  group  of 
the  typical  genus  Halcyon. 

At  present  we  are  acquainted  with  no  other  birds  which  are  pro- 
perly included  in  the  genus  Todiramphm,  nor  with  any  others  that 
have  been  assigned  to  it  by  authors.  Specimens  of  all  of  the  fourteen 
species  described  above,  are  in  the  Museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Aca- 
demy, and  as  stated  in  the  preceding  pages,  this  genus  is  also  liberally 
represented  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition.  For  the  use  of  very 
fine  specimens  of  various  species,  figured  in  the  Atlas  to  the  present 
volume,  we  are  indebted  to  the  liberality  of  the  gentlemen  of  the  Aca- 
demy. 

Availing  ourselves  of  the  present  opportunity,  we  have  had  figured 
for  our  Atlas,  all  species  of  this  genus  not  previously  represented  in 
the  plates  of  authors,  and  whenever  practicable,  we  have  given  all 
stages  of  plumage  of  which  we  have  specimens.  For  much  the  gre  cr 
part  our  figures  satisfactorily  represent  the  species  intended,  though 
in  a  few  instances  we  could  have  wished  for  greater  success.  The 
coloring,  however,  which  has  been  done  under  the  immediate  super- 
vision of  that  accomplished  colorist,  Mrs.  Lavinia  Bowen,  of  Phila- 
delphia, is  unexceptionable. 


'^'}. 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


3.  0ENU8  EURYST0MU8,  Vieill.  Analyse,  p.  87  (1816). 

1.   EUBYSTOMUS  OBIENTAUS  (Linn.). 

Coraci'ai  orieiitalii,  LiNN.  SyBt.  Nat.  I,  p.  159  (1766). 
Euryttonws  fuict'collis,  et  cyanocoUi*,  ViElLL. 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  619 ;  Le  Vaill.  Ois.  de  Parad.  Plate  XXX^L 

Specimens  of  this  species  from  the  PliiHppines,  are  in  the  collection 
of  the  Expedition. 

Mr.  Peale  notices  it  as  follows : 

''  Our  specimens  of  this  beautiful  bird  were  obtained  in  the  Island 
of  Mindanao.  We  observed  them  to  frequent  the  banks  of  shady 
streams  which  run  through  the  forests,  sitting  quietly  on  horizontal 
dead  branches  of  trees  at  a  considerable  elevation,  and  watching  for 
passing  insects,  which  they  caught  on  the  wing.  Their  appearance 
when  sitting  on  a  branch,  and  their  flight  was  so  much  like  that  of 
a  kingfisher  (Alcedo),  that  one  of  our  specimens  was  thus  shot  by 
mistake." 

Dr.  Pickering  also  records  the  occurrence  of  this  bird  in  the  same 
Island,  and  mentions  that  *'  a  specimen  when  wounded  uttered  a  harsh 
cry,  similar  to  that  of  some  species  of  parrots." 


4.  Family  MEROPID.E. 

'  1.  Gencs  MEROPS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  182  (1760). 

1.  Merops  PiiiLiPPiNUS,  Linn. 
Merop$  philt'ppinus,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  183  (1766). 
Buff.  H.  Enl.  67 ;  Le  Vaill.  Guep.  Plate  XIV.    • 
This  species  was  observed  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  in 


INSRSSORES. 


229 


the  Island  of  Mindanao,  ono  of  the  Pliilippines,  and  in  the  notes  of 
Dr.  Pickering  we  find  the  following : 

"  Several  specimens  of  thin  Mi'rofis  wore  noticed  on  the  border  of  an 
opening  in  the  forest,  and  whun  on  the  wing,  reminded  me  very  much 
of  the  North  American  Swallows,  sailing  somewhat  in  the  same  man- 
ner. The}'  also  appeared  to  be  similar  in  their  habits  to  the  birds  of 
the  genus  Oalbuia,  in  some  measure.  The  tongue  of  this  species  is 
not  exsertile,  and  presented  no  striking  (leculiarity  of  formation." 

Numerous  specimens  of  this  bird  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expe- 
dition. 


5.  Family  TROOONIDiE. 


1.  Genus  HARPACTKa,  ^Tirniniion,  Cab.  Cy.  II,  p.  337  (1837). 

1.  HarPAOTES  ARDENS  (T^mm.). 

Trwjon  ardens,  Tkmm.  PI.  Col.  Ill,  p.  (liv.  68,  about  1827). 

Ilarpactes  rodiostemut,  Pealr,  Zoul.  U.  8.  Kxp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  166  (first  edition, 
1848).* 

Temm.  PI.  Col.  404  ;  Gould,  Mon.  Trogon,  Plate  XXXV. 

Both  Dr.  Pickering  and  Mr.  Poalo  mention  the  occurrence  of  this 
fine  species  in  the  Island  of  Mindanao,  one  of  the  Pliilippines.  The 
latter  remarks : 


I*  "  Head  and  throat  dark  vlnaooous<brnwn ;  back,  ecaputars,  and  rump,  cinnamon- 
brown  ;  breast  pale  rose-color ;  abdomen  and  under  tail-coverts  bright  red ;  wings  black  ; 
the  primaries  outwardly  edged  with  whito ;  shafts  black ;  secondaries  and  coverts  traua- 
versely  crossed  with  numerous  whito  linos ;  tail  black ;  the  two  centre  feathers  cinnamon- 
brown,  tipped  with  black ;  threo  outer  feathers  each  side,  tipped  and  margined  outwardly 
with  white ;  bill  bright  yellow,  the  base  green ;  ophthalmic  region  ultramarine  blue ; 
inside  of  the  mouth  yellow ;  feet  olivo-grouu,  the  palms  and  daws  yellow;  iridcs  brown. 

"  Total  length,  thirteen  and  a  half  inches ;  wiugs,  from  tha  carpal  joints,  five  and 
nine-tenths  inches ;  tail,  six  and  two-tenths  iuohos ;  tarsi,  half  an  inch;  middle  toe,  in- 
cluding the  claw,  one  inch ;  claw,  four-tonths  of  an  inch ;  outer  hind  toe,  seven-twentieths 
of  an  inch ;  claw,  tliroo-twentielhs  of  an  inch  ;  inner  hind  toe,  six-tenths  of  an  inch ; 
claw,  two-tenths  of  an  inch ;  bill,  oight-touths  of  an  inch ;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth, 
one  and  one-twentieth  of  an  inoh.    Malo." 

58 


280 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


"  Our  specimen  was  killed  on  the  thirty-first  of  January,  near  Sam- 
bunnga,  in  the  Island  of  Mindanao.  It  sits  crosswise  on  the  small 
branches  of  trees  and  bushes,  and  is  very  active  in  taking  insects  on 
the  wing.  The  ohsar  sunlight  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  did 
not  appear  to  incomsiodo  it,  or  others  observed  at  the  same  time." 

The  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  present  no  im- 
portant differences  from  the  figures  in  Mr.  Gould's  beautiful  Mono- 
graph, above  cited.  This  species  appears  to  be  peculiar  to  the  Philip- 
pines, and  is  very  handsomely  represented  In  Mr.  Gould's  Monograph 
of  this  family,  cited  above. 


G.  Tribe  SCANSORES. 

1.  Family  PSITTACIDiE.— The  rnrrots. 

1.  G«NU8  PIONUS,  WuyUr  (1880). 

1.  PlONUS  COBALTINUS  {Musnena). 

JVllacv$  cohalttmit,  Mass.  llev.  et  Mag.  de  Zool.  1854,  p.  74. 

Ptittactu  menstrims,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  346  (1788)  ?  , 

Buff:  PI.  Enl.  584  ? 

A  single  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  is  exactly  in 
the  plumage  described  as  a  distinct  species  by  Messrs.  Massena  and 
Souance,  as  above,  and  we  have  seen  others.  We  cannot  confirm  this 
distinctive  designation,  but  believe  this  bird  to  be  a  stage  of  plumage 
only  of  Btittaciis  menairuxis,  a  common  species  of  South  America. 


2.  Genus  TANYGNATHUS,  Waghr,  Abhand.  Akad.  MUnohou,  1832,  p.  501. 
1.  Tanygkathus  viLEktVis,  {Scopoli). 


Plu'ttacui  pileatui,  Scop.  FI.  ct  Faun.  Insnb.  p.  8G  (178G). 
PtiUacm  marginatut,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  824  (1788). 


1NSE8S0RES. 


281 


IMttacui  olivaceu$,  Gm.  Syst.  Nut.  I,  p.  326  ? 

IMttacui  lucioneniis,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  146  ?     Bribs.  Orn.  IV,  p.  296  ? 


Sonnerat,  Voy.  Ill,  Plate  LXXXIV  ;  Buflf.  PI.  Enl.  287  ?  Le  Vnill. 
Perr.  I,  Plate  LX  ?  BrisB.  Orn.  IV,  Plate  XXII,  fig.  2  ? 

Form. — Robust ;  bill  large,  wide,  fully  curved,  and  with  a  distinct 
lobe  on  the  edge  of  the  upper  mandible ;  wing  moderate ;  tail  rather 
long ;  tarsus  short,  which  with  the  toes,  is  covered  with  small  re- 
ticuluted  scales.     A  small  bare  space  around  the  eye. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  eleven  and  a  half 
inches ;  wing,  seven  and  a  half  inches ;  tail,  five  and  one-fourth  inches. 

Colors. — Large  space  on  the  head  from  the  crown  to  the  occiput, 
light  blue.  Shoulders  and  lesser  wing-coverts  bluish-black,  nearly  every 
feather  narrowly  edged  with  yellowish-green  and  light  blue ;  greater 
coverts  of  the  wing  bluish-black,  widely  edged,  and  tipped  with  dark 
bronzed  yellow,  the  latter  color  forming  a  large  and  conspicuous  patch 
on  the  wing  when  closed.  Plumage  of  the  back,  some  of  the  scapu- 
lars, and  greater  coverts,  with  partially  concealed  spots  of  light  blue. 
Bill  flesh-colored,  lighter  and  nearly  white  towards  the  end.  Entire 
other  parts  of  the  head  and  body  above  and  below,  and  of  the  upper 
surface  of  the  wings  and  tail,  yellowish-green,  more  deeply  tinged 
with  yellow  on  the  under  parts  of  the  body.  Inner  webs  of  the  quills 
and  their  under  surface,  brownish-black ;  under  surface  of  the  tail 
light  silky  yellow.     Feet  grayish.  , 


Had. — Sooloo  Islands. 
City. 


Specimen  in  Coll.  Exp.  Exp.  Washington 


Whatever  else  this  species  may  be,  or  whatever  other  name  it  may 
be  entitled  to,  the  bird  above  described  appears  to  be  the  true  Biittaeiia 
pileatus,  Scopoli,  described  by  him,  as  above  cited,  and  by  Sonnerat, 
in  "  Voyage  a  la  Nouvelle  Guinde,"  III,  p.  80  (Quarto,  Paris,  1776). 
It  is  also  Psittacus  marginatus,  Gmelin,  but  we  are  not  at  present  pre- 
pared to  say  that  it  is  identical  with  P.  oHvaceus,  Gmelin,  figured  in 
Buff.  PI.  Enl.  287,  or  properly  Bsittacua  gala,  Boddaert  (Table  dez 
Planches  Enlumineez,  p.  17,  Utrecht,  1783),  notwithstanding  that  the 
locality  of  the  latter  is  given  as  the  Philippine  Islands. 


fir"    ^ 


!H- 


282 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


The  descriptions  and  figures  of  Psittacua  oUvacem,  represent  a  bird 
of  nearly  the  same  size  as  the  present  species,  but  the  colors  are  either 
not  given  with  sufficient  accuracy,  or  are  quite  different  from  those  of 
the  bird  now  before  us.  Bufibn's  plate  (PI.  Enl.  287),  represents  a 
bird  with  olive-green  plumage,  to  which  his  description  accords :  "  Les 
grandes  pennes  sont  d'un  brun-oUvdtre  ;  cette  couleur  est  celle  de  tout 
le  reste  du  corps,  except^  une  tache  bleudtre  derri^re  la  tete."  (PI. 
Enl.  VII,  p.  122),  Le  Vaillant's  figure  is  also  much  too  dark,  and  the 
green  color  is  of  a  quite  different  shade  from  that  of  our  bird, 

Gmelin  compiles  his  description  of  both  P.  marginatum  and  P.  olica- 
ceiis,  from  Latham's  Synopsis,  merely  giving  binomial  names  to  the 
"varied-winged  Parrot"  and  the  "lace-winged  Parrot,"  of  the  latter 
author,  who  had  also  compiled  his  descriptions,  the  first  from  Sonne- 
rat's  Voy.,  and  the  second  from  Biifibn.  It  does  not  appear  that  either 
Latham  or  Gmelin  ever  saw  a  specimen  of  the  species  they  describe. 

Several  specimens  in  the  Collection  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy 
have  been  labelled  in  Europe  ^'Rittaciis  tnargiuatus"  h\xt  are  identical 
with  others  labelled  "  PiUtacus  sumatraniis"  Raffles,  and  are  the  latter 
species. 

We  cannot,  however,  identify  any  bird  in  the  collections  to  which 
we  have  access  as  Piittaciis  oUvacem,  Gmelin,  though  we  deem  it  very 
probable  that  such  a  species  exists,  and  in  at  least  of  the  same  genus, 
if  not  specifically  identical  with  the  present  bird. 

The  name  PsiUnriis  luclonen»is,  was  adopted  by  Linnoeus  from  Bris- 
son,  as  cited  above,  and  if  all  the  names  now  {jiven  by  us  are  synony- 
mous, it  must  be  adopted  as  the  true  appellation  for  this  species.  Tlie 
description  by  Linnajus  is  compiled  from  Brisson,  and  it  will  be  found 
on  comparison  of  the  plates  of  Brisson  and  Bufibn,  that  there  is  suffi- 
cient similarity  to  warrant  the  suspicion  that  the  latter  copied  from 
the  former,  and  possibly  gave  the  colors  from  Brisson's  description. 

Brisson  describes  from  a  specimen  in  the  cabinet  of "  M.  I'Abbe 
Aubry."  It  is  quite  probable  that  his  description  served  for  the  basis 
of  those  of  Linnseus,  Buffun,  Gmelin,  and  Latham,  neither  of  which, 
it  is  also  probable,  ever  saw  the  species. 

Though  we  are  under  the  necessity  of  leaving  this  subject  at  pre- 
sent in  some  complexity,  we  have  a  degree  of  gratification  at  least  in 
having  it  in  our  power  to  point  out  the  true  species  of  Scopoli,  and 
have  an  opportunity  further  of  affording  incidentally  to  the  student. 


INSESSORES. 


283 


a  specimen  of  what  he  may  expect  when  he  is  fairly  launched  into 
the  literature  of  Ornithology. 

One  specimen  of  the  species  now  described  is  in  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition,  and  was  obtained  at  the  Sooloo  Islands,  but  we  have  no 
notes  relating  to  its  habits  or  hiotory. 


-1^ 


8.  Gbncb  CACATUA,  Briswn,  Orn.  IV,  p.  204  (1760). 

1.  Cacatua  philippinarum  {Qmelin). 

Ptittactti  philippinarum,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  831  (1788). 
Cacataa  minor,  Briss.  Orn.  lY,  p.  212,  PI.  XXII,  fig.  1. 

St.  Hilaire,  Hist.  Nat. "  Perroquets,  Plate  LXXXI;  Buff.  PI.  Enl. 
IV,  Plate  OXCl. 

Form. — Small  for  this  genus ;  head  with  a  crest  of  recurved  feathers ; 
bill  large;  wing  long,  third  quill  longest;  tail  moderate,  wide; 
tarsus  very  short ;  toes  long,  beneath  padded  and  flattened.  Space 
around  the  eye  and  on  the  throat,  bare. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  twelve  inches;  wing, 
nine  inches ;  tail,  four  and  a  half  inches. 

Colors. — Inferior  coverts  of  the  tail,  rich  reddish-orange,  nearly 
every  feather  margined  and  tipped  with  white.  Feathers  of  the  crest 
at  their  bases,  orange-yellow.  Inferior  surface  of  the  tail,  and  inner 
edges  of  the  quills,  pale  yellow,  the  latter  readily  seen,  viewing  the 
wing  from  below.    All  other  parts  white.     Bill  and  feet  light. 

Of  this  species,  remarkable  for  its  small  size  when  compared  with 
the  large  congeneric  species  of  Australia,  specimens  were  obtained  by 
the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  at  the  Philippine  Islands. 

Bufibn's  description  of  this  species  is  apparently  taken  from  BrioSon, 
and  his  plate  (as  cited  above),  may  be  safely  suspected,  at  least,  of 
having  been  copied  from  that  of  the  same  author,  and  colored  from 
his  description.  It  is  apparently  rarely  to  be  found  in  collections,  and 
appears  to  be  little  known  to  naturalists.    Specimens  are  in  the  collec- 

69 


234 


OkNITHOLOGY. 


tion  of  the  Expedition  in  good  preservation,  aiid  also  in  the  Museum 
of  the  Philadelphia  Academy. 


4.  Gends  NESTOR,  Le$ton,  Traite  d'Orn.  I,  p.  190  (1831). 
1.  Nestor  meridionalis  {Gmelin). 

IMttacus  meridionalii,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  883  (1788). 
Psittacm  Nestor,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  I,  p.  110  (1790). 
PMttacu*  austraKs,  Shaw,  Mu8.  Lev.  p.  85  (1792). 
Xettor  nova-hollandia',  Lesson,  Traite  d'Orn.  I,  p.  191  (1831). 
Ptittacus  hypopoliuHf  FoRST.  Desc.  Ad.  p.  72  (1844). 

Mus.  Lev.  Plate,  p.  87. 

Excellent  specimens  of  this  interesting  Parrot  from  New  Zealand, 
are  in  the  collection.  The  bill  in  the  species  of  this  genus  attains  a 
greater  elongation  than  in  any  other  group  of  the  family  F^ittacidce, 
and  is  used,  according  to  authors,  not  only  for  the  ordinary  purpose 
of  prehension,  but  for  making  excavations  in  trees.  It  is  alluded  to 
by  Dr.  Pickering,  only  as  Laving  been  seen  and  specimens  obtained  in 
the  forest  near  the  Bay  of  Islands,  New  Zealand. 


6.  Ge.nus  APROSMICTUS,  Gould,  Proo.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1842,  p.  111. 


1.  Aprosmictds  TABUENSis  {Gmelin). 


P»ittncu»  talueniis,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  817  (1788). 

Psitfacus  atropurpurem,  Shaw,  Mus.  Lev.  p.  140  (1792). 

P»ittai-ut  hyiujinu*,  Fobster,  Desc.  An.  p.  169  (1844)  t 

Platycercxu  atrogularii,  Peale,  Zuol.  U.  S.   Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  129  (first  edition, 

1848).*       * 

"^  "  Head,  breast,  belly,  and  vent,  dark  crimson,  each  feather  dark  slate-color  at  the 
root,  green  in  the  middle,  and  dark  crimson  at  the  tip ;  back,  upper  part  of  the  wings, 
and  rump,  brilliant  emerald  green  ;  icutbers  black  at  their  roots,  a  green  bar  crossing  *bu 
middle,  which  is  not  visible  without  raising  them,  which  is  also  the  case  with  a  white 
spot  on  the  occiput;  nuchal  spot  blue ;  fiont  and  cheeks  very  dark,  the  interior  feathers 
of  the  cheeks  delicately  tinged  with  blue ;  throat  black ;  primaries  graduutecl,  brilliant 


INSESSORES. 


235 


Lear's  Parrots,  Plate  XVI;  Gould,  Syn.  B.  of  Aust.  Pt.  IV;  Shaw, 
Mus.  Lev.  Plate,  p.  140 ;  Lath.  Syn.  I,  Plate  VII. 


Specimens  of  this  beautiful  Parrot  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedi- 
tion, correspond  exactly  with  the  plates  above  cited,  but  especially 
with  the  excellent  figure  in  Lear's  Parrots,  Plate  XVI. 

There  is,  however,  some  confusion  in  the  plates  and  descriptions 
usually  cited  by  authors  as  relating  to  the  bird  now  before  us,  and  for 
the  present  we  are  disposed  to  consider  this  bird  to  be  distinct  from 
that  immediately  succeeding  (Aprosmictiis  Anna,  St.  Hilaire),  and 
that  they  have  been  mutually  regarded  as  the  same  by  naturalists  not 
acquainted  with  both,  a  circumstance  not  unlikely  to  happen  with 
species  so  little  known.  Some  difficulty,  too,  exists  in  the  descrip- 
tions, originating  in  the  fact  that  Latham  (Synopsis  I,  p.  215),  gives 
this  bird  as  a  variety  only  of  the  species  which  is  Aprosmictiis  ecapu' 
latus  (Bechtstein).  The  present  species  seems,  however,  to  be  that 
described  by  Gmelin. 

Of  this  fine  Parrot,  Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  In  our  numerous  excursions  along  the  shores  of  the  Feejee  Islands, 
we  met  with  this  species  only  on  the  low  inundated  lands,  and  almost 
always  during  the  heat  of  the  day,  in  the  thick  foliage  of  the  man- 
groves which  skirt  most  of  the  bays.  They  sit  silently,  sheltered  from 
the  scoi  jhing  rays  of  the  sun,  and  sally  forth  in  the  evening  or  early 
in  the  morning,  vociferating  loudl\'  while  flying  vany-ha,  vang-ha,  a 
name  by  which  they  are  known  t(  n-  natives.  Their  flight  is  irregu- 
lar, their  broad  and  curved  tail  being  spn-ad  wiilely,  and  und'ilatt'd 
between  each  flap  of  the  wings,  giving  the  l)o<l\  i  pitching  motion  dis- 
tantly resembling  the  flight  of  a  butterfly.  The  fiuit  of  the  nmngrove 
constitutes  the  principal  part  of  their  food." 

In  the  bird  now  before  us,  the  blue  nuchal  collar  is  wide  and  \  oil 

blue  above,  black  beneath;  fourth  quill  longest;  shafts  black;  seoondar  s  lighter  blue, 
which  gradually  runs  into  the  brilliant  green  of  the  scapulars;  lesser  coverts  brilliant 
greeu,  those  of  the  under  part  of  the  wing  tipped  with  crimson.  Tail,  <  onsisting  of 
twelve  brilliant  blue  feathers,  the  six  centre  ones  having  green  reflections ;  all  black 
beneath,  with  shafts  of  the  same  color ;  bill  bluish  horn-color,  very  strong,  '  uulmen 
full  and  rounded;  gonyx  angular,  and  elevated  at  the  sides;  upper  niatuitble  with  a 
sharp  notch ;  nostrils  almost  round,  and  partly  hid  in  the  rigid  short  feathers  at  the 
base  of  the  bill ;  legs  and  claws  black ;  irides  bright  orange.     Male." 

"  Total  length  of  an  adult  male,  nineteen  and  seven-eighths  inches ;  extent  of  wings, 
twenty-nine  inohea ;  tail,  nine  and  a  half  inohea." 


236 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


defined.  The  prepared  specimen  is  exactly  of  the  size  given  in  Lear's 
plate,  to  which  we  have  above  referred.  Total  length  (of  prepared 
specimen),  sixteen  and  a  half  inches;  wing,  ten  inches,  tail,  nine  and 
a  half  inches. 


2.  Aprosmictus  Anna  {Bowyot  JS^.  Hilmre). 

Conunu  Anna,  BouRJ.  St.  Hil.  Hist.  Nat.  des  Perroquets  (not  paged). 

Jard.  and  Selby,  111.  Orn.  II,  Plate  LXXIV  ;  St.  Hil.  Perroquets, 
Plate  XXXVIII. 

This  species,  of  which  a  specimen  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Expe- 
dition, and  of  which  the  original  specimen  described  by  Bourjot  St. 
Hilaire,  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  of 
Philadelphia,  much  resembles  the  preceding.  In  form  and  colors  they 
are  alike,  so  far  as  relates  to  general  appearance. 

The  principal  distinctive  characters  of  the  present  bird  are  the 
'smaller  size  of  all  its  parts,  particularly  of  the  bill  and  of  the  tail ;  and 
the  nuchal  collar  of  blue,  wide  and  conspicuous  in  the  preceding,  is  in 
this  restricted  to  a  narrow  line,  scarcely  observable  without  particular 
examination.  In  this  bird,  the  feathers  of  the  rump  are  distinctly 
edged  and  tipped  with  purple,  of  the  same  shade  as  the  inferior  parts 
of  the  body,  a  character  not  found  in  the  preceding  species. 

The  dimensions  of  a  prepared  specimen  now  before  us,  and  which 
is  that  described  and  figured  by  St.  Hilaire,  are  as  follows:  total 
length,  fifteen  and  a  half  inches ;  wing,  eight  and  a  half  inches ;  tail, 
eight  inches.  The  diflerence  between  the  two  birds  that  we  regard  aa 
distinct  species,  may  be  readily  seen  on  comparison  of  the  pliites  in 
Lear's  Parrots,  with  St.  Hilaire's  figure  above  referniu  to,  or  with  the 
figure  in  Jardine  and  Selby's  Illustrations  of  Ornithology.  It  is  pos- 
sible, however,  that  they  are  opposite  sexes  of  the  same  species,  but 
with  our  present  information,  we  must  regard  them  as  presenting 
another  of  the  intricate  problems  in  the  Ornithology  of  the  Islands  of 
the  Pacific,  only  to  be  determined  by  future  and  more  extended  in- 
vestigation. 

In  the  collection  of  the  Exploring  Expedition,  the  specimen  of  this 
bird  is  labelled  as  having  been  obtained  at  the  Fei j  l  c  Islands ;  those 


IN8ESS0BES. 


237 


in  the  collection  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy  are  without  labels  in- 
dicating locality. 


8.  Aprosmictus  splendens  {Rah). 

Platt/cercu*  splendent,  Peale,  Zool  U.  8.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  127  (Ist  ed.  1848). 
Coracoptis  pertonata,  Grat,  Proc.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1848,  p.  21,  PI.  Ill  ? 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XX. 

Capite  et  corpore  auhtua  nitide  rvhris,  collari  nuchali  lato,  remigibm  pri- 
mayiis  rectricUnisqm  externis  coerxdeia.  Corpore  supra,  rectricibus 
intermedm  viridibm.     Long.  tot.  16  pollicee. 

Form.-  -Much  resembling  in  general  form  Aprosmhtua  tahmnaia,  amboi- 
nensis,  and acapulatus.  Bill  short;  wings  rathei'  short;  fourth  quill 
longest ;  tail  long,  wide,  wedge-shaped,  the  central  feathers  being 
about  three  inches  longer  than  the  first  lateral  feather;  legs  short ; 
toes  padded  and  flattened. 

Dimensions.— Total  length  (of  skin),  about  sixteen  inches;  wing, 
nine  inches ;  tail,  eight  and  a  half  inches. 


CoLuKS.— Adult  female.  Head  and  entire  under  parts  crimson  ; 
wide  and  well-defined  nuchal  collar,  primaries,  and  outer  feathers  of 
the  tail,  blue.  Upper  parts  of  the  body  and  wings  and  central  feathers 
of  the  tail  green,  some  other  feathers  of  the  tail  green  at  their  bases. 
Inner  webs  of  quills  and  tail  feathers  and  their  inferior  surfaces  black ; 
inferior  coverts  of  the  wings  green.  Bill  and  tarsi  dark,  the  former 
tipped  with  light  yellowish.  "Irides  bright  orange;  total  length, 
eighteen  inches;  extent  of  wings,  26  inches"  (Mr.  Peale). 

Hab. — Feejee  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

Of  the  several  instances  of  nearly  allied  species  which  we  have  found 
it  necessary  to  investigate  in  the  course  of  our  examination  of  the 
present  collection,  this  bird  presents  the  most  complex,  and  we  admit 
it  as  distinct  in  specific  characters  only  with  hesitation.     It  may  be, 


m 


238 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


however,  another  case  of  a  form  very  nearly  allied  to  a  species  inhabit- 
ing a  different  group  of  islands.  Our  specimen  is  moreover  labelled  as 
a  female. 

The  bird  now  before  us,  resembles  A.  iahtmnsis,  and  has  the  same 
nuchal  collar,  but  the  form  of  the  tail  appears  in  the  prepared  speci- 
mens to  be  different,  straight  in  the  present  species,  curved  in  A.  talu- 
ensis.  Instead  of  the  colors  of  that  bird,  the  head  and  entire  under 
parts  in  this  bird  are  light  crimson,  in  which  respect  it  approximates 
to  A.  scapulatus,  amhoinemis,  and  dorsalis,  though  without  the  blue  on 
the  back,  rump,  or  sides,  by  which,  in  some  measure,  they  are  charac- 
terized. Our  present  bird  has  the  back  and  rump  green,  uniform  with 
the  color  of  the  wings,  without  any  vestige  of  blue  whatever,  and  the 
crimson  of  the  head  and  under  parts  is  not  so  light  as  in  the  species 
just  mentioned. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale,  the  bird  immediately  succeeding  {Apros- 
ni ictus  personatm),  is  the  young  female  of  the  present  species.  We 
have,  however,  for  reasons  stated  under  that  head,  regarded  it  as  dis- 
tinct, and  deem  it  more  probable  that  we  are  either  correct,  or  that  it 
is  the  young  of  Aprosmictua  Uibuensia,  of  which  specimens  are  in  the 
collection  of  the  Expedition  from  the  same  islands.  If  this  species  is 
the  same  as  Mr.  Gray's  species,  his  name  is  very  probably  entitled  to 
adoption,  having  been  published  in  the  Proceedings  of  the  Zoological 
Society  of  London,  for  January,  1848  (p.  21),  and  is  accompanied  by 
a  figure  which  is  a  faithful  representation. 

In  Mr.  Peale's  remarks  on  this  species,  we  find  the  following : 

"  It  was  found  inhabiting  the  shores  of  Peale's  River,  in  the  Island 
of  Viti  Levu  (Great  Feejee),  and  first  attracted  our  attention  by  its 
remarkable  flight  as  it  passed  the  open  spaces  in  the  forest  or  crossed 
the  river.  It  flaps  its  wings  three  times  and  then  soars  a  short  dis- 
tance, repeating  at  each  soar  its  cry,  cay-au,  cay-au.  When  feeding, 
it  is  generally  silent." 

4.  Aprosmictus  person atus  {G.  R.  Qmy). 
Coracnptii  personata,  G.  R.  GRAY,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1848,  p.  21  (January). 


Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XX. 


INSESSORES. 

Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1848,  Plate  XXI. 


239 


Form. — Resembling  in  general  form  Aproamictus  tahuensia,  scapulatua, 
and  the  preceding.  Bill  rather  large;  wing  short;  fourth  quill 
longest ;  tail  long,  cuneated. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  seventeen  and  a  half 
inches  I  wing,  nine  inches;  tail,  eight  and  a  half  inches. 

Colors. — Front,  pheeks  inclosing  the  eyes,  and  throat,  black.  Mid- 
dle of  the  breast,  abdomen,  tind  ventral  region,  orange-yellow,  darker 
on  the  last,  and  inclining  to  red.  Outer  webs  of  primaries  blue ;  inner 
webs  of  primaries. and  upjder  surface  of  the  wings  and  tail  black.  All 
other  parts  of  the  plumage,  aboye  and  below,  green.  Bill  and  feet 
dark,  the  former  tipped  with  yellowish. 

Had. — Feejce  Islands.     Specimen  in  liat.  Mas.  Washington. 

As  we  have  said  above,  this  bird  is  stated  by  Mr.  Peale  to  be  the 
young  female  of  the  species  immediately  preceding  {Aproamictm  aplen- 
detia),  but  with  not  the  slightest  dispositioa  to  i|n4ervalue  the  Impor- 
tance of  an  observation  made  by  one  who  at  kast  had  superior  oppor- 
tunities, we  at  present  feel  constrained  to  consider  this  as  a  mistake. 
Having  now  before  us  numerous  specimens  belonging  to  the  fine 
collection  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia,  of 
species  very  similar  and  nearly  allied  to  Aprostnick^  aplendem,  the 
names  of  which  may  be  found  above  in  the  present  and  preceding 
articles,  we  look  in  vain  for  any  stage  of  plumage  analogous  or  simi- 
lar to  that  of  the  bird  now  in  question.  The  black  space  around  the 
base  of  the  bill  is  also  a  character  much  more  emphatic  and  distinctive 
than  is  usually  possessed  by  young  birds,  especially  in  the  family  of 
Parrots. 

It  may  be  regarded  as  within  the  range  of  possibility,  that  this  bir4 
is  the  young  of  Aproamwtua  tabuenaia,  which  (the  young)  we  have  not 
seen.  As  pointed  out  above,  if  the  present  bird  is  the  young  of  the 
species  immediately  preceding,  Mr.  Gray's  name  at  the  head  of  thid 
article  is  very  probably  that  which  must  be  adopted  on  account  of 
priority. 


Mi 


240 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


6.  Genub  GORIPHILUS,  WagUr,  Abbandl.  Akad.  MUnoben,  1832,  p.  494. 
1.  CoRiPHiLUS  CYANEUS  {Sparrman). 

Rittacus  cj/aneu;  SpABRM.  Mu8.  Carli.  PI.  XXVII  (1787). 
Puttacm  lailianut,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  329  (1788). 
PtUtacui  ■porphyrio,  Shaw,  Nat.  Misc.  I  (not  paged,  1789). 
Lorius  vim',  Lesson,  Traite  d'Orn.  I,  p.  194  (1831). 
Piittacui  saphirimtt,  FoRST.  Deso.  An.  p.  201  (1844). 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  455,  fig.  2;  Shaw,  Nat.  Misc.  I,  Plate  VII;  Le  Vaill. 
Perr.  Plate  LXV. 

This  beautiful  little  species  is  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  of 
common  occurrence  in  the  Islands  of  Tahiti  and  Eimeo,  inhabiting 
the  cocoanut  trees  near  the  coast. 

The  application  of  the  name  Rittacvs  notatua,  Bodd.,  to  this  species 
by  Mr.  G.  R.  Gray,  :n  Genera  of  Birds;  II,  p.  417,  appears  to  be  erro- 
neous. The  name  alluded  to  was  given  by  Boddaert  (Tab.  PI.  Enl. 
p.  27),  to  the  bird  figured  in  Buff.  PI.  Enl.  456,  fig.  2,  and  not  to  that 
in  PI.  455,  fig.  2,  which  is  the  present  species.  Sparrman's  name,  as 
above  given,  is  that  entitled  to  adoption  for  this  little  parrot,  though 
his  figure  is  so  badly  colored  as  to  be  scarcely  recognizable. 


2.  CoRiPHiLUS  soLiTARius  (Latham). 

Pxitlacus  iolifarius,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  Supp.  p  23  (1801). 
PsitlacHt  Vaillantii,  Shaw,  Nat.  Misc.  XXI  (not  paged,  1809). 
P»ittacu»  coccineu»,  SiiAW,  Gen.  Zool.  VIII,  p.  472  (1811). 
Piittiicu*  phitji/,  Becust. 


W 


Le   Vaill.   Perr.   Plate    LXIV;    Shaw,   Nat.   Misc.   XXI,    Plate 
DCCCCIX. 


Numerous  specimens  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 
Male.     Head  above,  ventral  region,  and  tibiao,  glossy  indigo-blue. 
Other  under  parts,  and  band  around  the  neck  behind,  scarlet ;  neck 


INSESSORES. 


241 


behind  (above  the  scarlet),  ligl.1;  g^een.  Middle  tail-feathers  with  a 
large  spot  of  yellow  on  their  inner  webs,  and  silky  yellowish-green  be- 
neath. All  other  parts  green,  lightest  on  the  rump.  Total  length 
(of  skin),  about  seven  inches;  wing,  four  and  a  half  inches ;  tail,  three 
inches. 

Female.     Similar  to  the  male  in  color,  but  rather  smaller  in  size. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  from  the  Feejee 
Islands. 

3.  CORIPHILUS  AUSTRALIS  {Omelin). 

Ptittacut  anttralis,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  329  (1788). 
Psittanis  porphyrocephalm,  Shaw,  Nat.  Misc.  I,  p.  1  (1789). 
PsittacuB  pipilans,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  I,  p.  105  (1790). 
Ptittacut  euchloms,  FoBST.  Deso.  An.  p.  160  (1844). 
Ptittacus  fringillacem,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  337  ? 

Shaw,  Nat.  Misc.  Plate  I;  Le  Vaill.  Perr.  Plate  LXXI. 


f 


■** 


Of  this  species,  also,  numerous  specimens  are  in  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition.  All  appear  to  have  been  obtained  at  the  Samoan  or 
Navigator  Islands,  where  it  is  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  having 
been  common.  He  states  that  it  frequents  the  tops  of  the  palm  trees, 
and  has  a  note  very  much  resembling  that  of  the  Tahitian  species  ( C. 
cyaneus). 

Male.  Large  spot  at  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible,  including 
throat,  cheeks,  and  neck  before,  and  a  spot  on  the  middle  of  the  abdo* 
men,  scarlet ;  ventral  region,  purple.  Elongated  feathers  on  the  head 
above,  light  blue ;  tibiae  darker  blue ;  tail-feathers  with  their  inner 
webs  yellow,  and  tipped  with  the  same.  All  other  parts  of  the  plu- 
mage green,  lightest  on  the  neck  behind,  and  rump.  "  Feet  and  bill 
flesh-colored"  (Pickering).  Total  length  (of  skin),  about  seven  and  a 
half  inches ;  wing,  four  and  a  half  inches ;  tail,  three  inches. 

Female.     Rather  smaller  than  the  male,  but  similar  in  color. 

61 


I 


242 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


2.  Family  PICIDJE.— The  Woodpeckers. 
1.  Oenus  MELANERPES,  Svoainion,  Fauna  Boreali  Amerioana,  II,  p.  816  (1831). 

1.  Melanerpes  torquatus  {Wilson). 

P!cu$  torquatu$,  WiLS.  Am.  Orn.  Ill,  p.  80,  PI.  XX,  fig.  8  (1811). 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCCXVI;  oct.  ed.  IV,  Plate  CCLXXII. 

This  beautiful  woodpecker  is  one  of  the  most  abundant  of  the  birds 
of  this  group  in  Western  North  America.  It  is  contained  in  nearly 
all  collections  made  in  California,  and  has  been  brought  by  Col.  McCall, 
and  others,  from  Oregon,  in  which  country  specimens  in  the  collection 
of  the  Expedition  also  were  obtained. 

Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  This  species  is  quite  numerous  in  every  part  of  Oregon,  where 
there  is  timber,  during  the  summer,  and  probably  winters  in  Califor- 
nia. We  saw  it  evidently  migrating  in  that  direction  in  the  latter 
part  of  the  summer." 

This  species  is  found  also  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  It  has 
been  noticed  recently  in  Kansas  by  Dr.  W.  A.  Hammond,  a  very 
talented  and  efhcient  young  naturalist  and  surgeon  of  the  United 
States  Army. 


2.  Melanerpes  ruber  {Gmdin). 

Picu*  ruber,  Om.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  429  (1788). 


\^ 


Audubon,  Birds  of  America,  Plate  CCCCXVI ;  octavo  edition,  IV, 
Plate  CCLXVI. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  are  from  Oregon.  Apparently  one  of 
the  (Commonest,  and  certainly  one  of  the  nio.st  beautiful  of  woodpeckers, 
now  frequently  brought  in  collections  from  Western  North  America, 
but  generally  from  California. 


INSRSSORES.  243 

2.  Genus  PIOUS,  Linn,  Syit.  Nat.  I,  p.  178  (1760). 
1.  Picus  Uahrisii,  Audubon. 

Picut  Harriiii,  AuDUBON,  Orn.  Biog.  V,  p.  101  (1830). 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plato  CCCCXVII,  figs.  8,  9 ;  octavo  ed.  IV,  Plate 
CCLXI. 

This  bird  appears  to  bo  peculiar  to,  but  widely  diffused  over  the 
western  countries  of  the  United  States.  In  adult  plumage,  it  presents 
the  clear  white  and  black  colors  characteristic  of  other  species  of  the 
same  group,  all  the  under  parts  being  of  a  pure  white,  not  at  all  tinged 
or  sordid,  as  has  been  repn^sentod  by  authors.  Specimens  from  Oregon 
are  in  the  collection  of  the  E.\pedition. 


3.  Genus  COLAPTKS,  Smwmn^  Zool.  Jour.  Ill,  p.  353  (1827). 
1.  CoLAl'TES  MEXICAN  US,  Swahison. 
Colaptea  mexkanw,  SwAINS.  Philos.  Mng.  1827,  p.  440. 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plato  CCCCXVI ;  oct.  ed.  IV,  Plate  CCLXXIV. 

Now  commonly  brought  in  collection.^  from  California,  this  bird  was, 
until  within  a  few  years,  very  rai'e  in  collections,  and  especially  prized 
by  American  naturalists  and  collectors,  on  account  of  its  few  but 
strongly  marked  points  of  diftorence  from  the  common  Colaptes  aura- 
tu8,  of  the  Atlantic  States.  Since  the  acquisition  of  California  and 
New  Mexico,  those  extensive,  and,  zoologically  considered,  exceedingly 
interesting  regions  have  been  visited  by  several  accomplished  ornitho- 
logists and  active  and  energetic  collectors,  such  as  Col.  George  A. 
McCall,  late  Inspector-General  in  the  Army  of  the  United  States,  Mr. 
John  G.  Bell,  of  New  York,  Dr.  T.  Charlton  Henry,  and  Dr.  George 
Suckley,  of  the  Army  of  the  United  States,  and  others,  who  have  con- 
tributed in  a  most  important  measure  to  Natural  History,  especially 
to  that  of  the  birds  of  those  countries.  This  species  appears  to  be 
abundantly  and  widely  diiTusod  in  Western  North  America. 


py 


m 


244 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Mr.  Peale  remarks  of  the  bud  before  us : 

"  This  species  was  been  in  various  places  on  the  west  coast  of  Ame- 
rica from  Puget's  Sound  in  the  north  to  California.  It  was  most  com- 
mon in  the  southern  part  of  that  country,  and  observed  to  entirely 
replace  the  Aurahis  or  golden-winged  woodpecker,  which  was  not  seen 
by  the  members  of  the  Expedition  while  in  that  country." 

The  genus  Colaptea  is  one  of  the  groups  in  which  species  are  sepa- 
rated only  by  narrow  lines  of  difference,  and  specimens  constantly 
occur  which  can  be  referred  with  equal  propriety  to  two  or  perhaps 
more  species.  We  have  seen  specimens  of  the  common  Colaptea  aura- 
ius,  in  which  the  yellow  of  the  quills  and  tail  were  tinged  with  red  so 
deeply,  that  they  might  readily  have  been  presumed  to  have  belonged 
to  Colaptea  mexicamia.  It  is  the  same  case  with  the  western  Colaptea 
Ayredi,  Audubon.  The  several  North  American  species  of  this  genus 
are,  moreover,  almost  exactly  identical  in  form  and  size,  differing 
specifically  only  in  colors. 


8.  Family  CUCULIDiE.— The  Cuckoos. 
1.  Gbncs  CUCULUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  168  (17G6). 


1.  CucuLUS  TENUiROSTRis,  Leason. 


Cuculus  tenuiroitrii,  Lkssou,  TraUe  d'Orn.  I,  p.  146  (1831);  PucHEBAN,  Rev.  et 
Mag.  de  Zool.  1853,  p.  6S>. 

Cuculu*  fucatut,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  130  (Ist  edition,  1848).* 

*  "Crown,  back,  and  rump,  dark  ashy  gray;  wings,  fuscous;  aurioulars,  throat,  and 
breast,  light  cinereous-gray;  abdomen  aud  under  tnilooverts  pale  uchre-yellow,  crossed  by 
waving  lines  of  black ;  tail  rounded,  dusky,  black  at  the  end  and  outer  margin ;  each  feather 
tipped  with  white,  and  having  five  or  six  lengthened  white  spots  on  the  shafts,  and  more 
numerous  notoh-like  spots  on  the  edge  of  the  inner  web ;  wings  long,  pointed  ;  third  quill 
longest,  second  and  fourth  equal ;  primaries  banded  with  white  oti  the  inner  webs; 
secondaries  having  the  basal  half  of  the  inner  webs  white ;  under  coverts  buff,  crossed 
with  black  lines;  irides  light  brown,  eyulids  and  feet  bright  yellow;  bill  yellow  at  base; 
upper  mandible  olive,  black  at  the  tip ;  lower  mandible  olive  its  whole  length ;  inside  of 
the  mouth  orange.     Male. 

"Total  length,  twelve  inches;  extent  of  wings,  twenty  inches;  wings,  from  the  carpal 
joint,  seven  and  a  half  incnes;  tail,  five  and  seven-tenths  inches;  outer  feathers,  four 
und  three-tenths  inches;  tarsi,  thirtoen-twentioths  of  an  inch  ;  middle  toe,  including  the 


INSBSSORES. 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXI,  fig.  1.    Adult. 


245 


Of  the  various  species  n?  typical  CucnJu/),  all  bearing  more  or  less 
intimate  affinity  to  the  well-known  European  species  and  type  of  its 
genus  {CuculiM  canorus),  we  cannot  at  present  undertake  the  difficult 
task  of  a  critical  examination.  But  we  have  seen  a  sufficient  number 
of  forms  apparently  distinct,  and  presenting  remarkable  general  re- 
semblances to  each  other  to  enable  us  to  infer  that  very  considerable 
difficulties  await  the  ornithologist  in  this  complex  group,  and  in  fact, 
from  the  short  and  frequently  Very  imperfect  descriptions  on  which  he 
must  rely,  we  deem  it  nearly  impossible  to  identify  some  of  the  species 
mentioned  in  the  works  of  authors. 

The  bird  now  before  us  is  one  of  those  to  which  we  allude,  though 
it  appears  to  be  that  described  by  Lesson,  as  above  cited,  in  which 
conclusion  we  are  confirmed  by  labels  on  specimens  in  the  Rivoli  col- 
lection, now  a  part  of  the  Ornithological  Collection  of  the  Academy  of 
Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia. 

A  specimen  of  this  species  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  was 
obtained  in  Mangsi,  one  of  the  Sooloo  Islands,  and  is  in  good  plumage 
and  preservation.  It  is  represented  of  the  size  of  life  in  our  plate,  as 
above  cited. 


2.  CucULUS  siMUS,  Ikale. 
Cuculus  simm,  Pbale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  131  (first  edition,  184S) 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXI,  fig.  2.    Adult. 

C  chiemscenti  slmilis.  Corpore  supra  saturate  oUvaceo-fnsco,  infra  rufo- 
castaneo,  guiture  pallidiore.    Long.  tot.  9  J  iwllices. 

Form. — Very  similar  to  that  of  Cuculus  cinerascens,  Vig.  and  Horsf., 
but  smaller.  Bill  rather  thick,  wide  at  base,  curved ;  wing  mode- 
rate; third  quill  longest;  tail  rather  long,  graduated;  middle  feathers 


4-.\ 
11 


■m 


olaw,  one  inch ;  claw,  aeven-twentietha  of  an  inch ;  outer  bind  toe,  eight-tenths  of  an  inch ; 
claw,  two-tenths  of  an  inch ;  bill,  seven-tenths  of  an  inch ;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth, 
one  and  one-twentieth  of  an  inch ;  width  at  the  nostrils,  three-tenths  of  an  inch." 

62 


1 
f 


246 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


about  one  inch  and  a  half  longer  than  the  lateral;  legs  rather  short; 
toes  long,  slender.  A  smell  bare  space  around  the  eye,  and  a  dis- 
tinct naked  membrane  at  the  corner  of  the  month.  Bill  wider  at 
base,  and  thicker  than  that  of  C.  cinemscens. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  nine  and  a  half  inches  ; 
wing,  five  inches;  tail,  five  and  one-eighth  inches.  '^'  Extent  of  wings, 
fourteen  and  a  half  inches"  (Mr.  Peale). 

Colors. — Head  above,  back,  rump,  and  wings,  dark  olive-brown, 
with  a  faint  greenish  bronze-like  lustre,  darkest  on  the  rump.  Entire 
under  parts  ruous,  pale  on  the  throat  and  mixed  with  cinereous,  darker, 
approaching  chestnut-color  on  the  abdomen  and  under  coverts  of  the 
tail.  Cheeks  olive-brown,  every  feather  with  a  central  stripe  of  pale 
ashy  white.  Quills  olive-brown,  each  with  a  large  spot  of  white  on  its 
inner  web,  forming  a  conspicuous  band  running  obliquoly  across  the 
wing,  obvious  on  its  under  surface.  Tail  above  brownish-black,  with 
a  faint  purple  lustre ;  every  feather  tipped,  and  with  either  bands  or 
pairs  of  spots  of  white.  "  Upper  mandible  dusky;  lower  mandible, 
and  corners  of  the  mouth  orange ;  eyelids  and  feet  pale  yellow ;  iris 
light  yellowish-brown;  clr.,ws  black.     Male."     (Mr.  Peale.) 

Hab. — Feejee  Islands.  Specimen  in  Coll.  Exp.  Exp.  Washington 
City. 

In  general  appearance,  this  Cuckoo  considerably  resembles  the  com- 
mon Australian  species,  above  mentioned,  from  which  it  is,  however, 
clearly  distinct.  The  much  wider  and  thicker  bill  on  this  bird  is  a 
strong  distinctive  character,  in  addition  to  which,  it  is  smaller,  and 
the  colo.  s  darker,  though  bearing  a  strong  general  resemblance  to  those 
of  the  bird  mentioned.  Though  presenting  these  points  of  resemblanci., 
it  may  easily  Ije  distinguished  on  comparison. 

One  specimen  only  is  ia  the  collection,  and  is  that  of  an  adult  male, 
represented  in  our  plate  of  the  natural  size. 

Of  this  bird  Mr.  Peale  observes  : 

"  The  specimen  from  which  our  description  is  drawn,  was  in  perfect 
plumage  when  killed,  at  Sandalwood  Bay,  in  the  Feejee  Islands,  on 
the  20th  of  July.  Its  voice  was  not  heard ;  its  actions  were  some- 
what remarkable,  the  common  position  when  sitting  on  a  branch  being 


INSESSORES. 


247 


with  the  body  almost  perpendicular,  its  subcrest  frequently  raised  after 
the  manner  of  some  of  the  hawks  and  tyrant  flycatchers." 


2.  Genus  COCCYZUS,  Vieillot,  Analyse,  p.  28  (181G). 
1.  CoccYZUS  MINOR  (Gmelin). 

Citculus  minor,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  411  (1788). 
Cucvlus  seniculus,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  I,  p.  219  (1790). 

BuflF.  PI.  Enl.  813. 

This  species,  of  which  a  single  specimen  is  in  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition,  but  of  which  we  have  seen  many  others,  is  quite  distinct 
from  the  bird  regarded  as  C.  eenivulue,  and  figured  by  Audubon  in 
Birds  of  America,  Plate  CLXIX  (octavo  edition,  IV,  PI.'CCLXXVII). 

Latham's  name  seniculus,  is,  however,  a  synomye  for  the  bird  now 
before  us,  having  been  avowt  dly  applied  to  it  after  it  had  been  named 
by  Gmelin,  as  above  cited.  The  description  by  Latham,  in  Synopsis 
of  Birds,  I,  p.  537  (Mangrove  Cuckow),is  compiled  from  Buflim,  Hist. 
Nat.  Ois.  VI,  p.  401,  and  from  PI.  Enl.  VI,  p.  464,  PI.  DCCCXIII. 
Gmelin's  description  is  copied  from  Latham.  It  will  be  found  that 
the  original  description  is  by  BufTon,  whose  plate  is  cited  by  both  of 
tlie  authors  mentioned,  and  is  sufficiently  accurate  to  serve  for  the 
identification  of  the  species.  It  is  of  no  consequi  iice  what  errors  may 
have  been  made  by  naturalists  in  referring  other  species  to  the  descrip- 
tions of  Gmelin  and  Latham,  or  in  applying  the  names  proposed  by 
them  to  other  birds  than  that  figured  and  described  by  BufTon,  as 
above;  it  is  and  must  be  regarded  to  the  end  of  time  as  Cuculus  minor, 
Gmelin,  and  Cucuhcs  senkuhis,  Latham. 

The  bird  figured  by  Audubon,  as  above  cited,  and  regarded  as  G. 
fieniculus,  is  probably  Cucidm  r'ulihutnius,  Gin.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  414,  a 
point  which  it  is  not  within  our  province  to  determine  at  present,  but 
which  we  shall  examine  in  a  future  work. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale,  the  specimen  of  this  bird  in  the  collection 
of  the  Expedition,  was  shot  near  Callao,  Peru,  and  is  a  female.  "  Irides 
brown ;  eyelids  margined  with  yellow ;  bill  black ;  total  length,  ten 
and  a  half  inches ;  extent  of  wings,  thirteen  and  a  half  inches," 


t^.i^ii 


I;;! 


■\2P^ 


i.?^i 


iOa: 


m 


248 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


3.  Genus  EUDYNAMYS,  Vig.  and  Eor»f.  Trans.  Linn.  Soo.  London, 
XV,  p.  303  (1826). 

1.  EuDTNAMTS  TAiTENSis  [Sparrmmi). 

Cuculus  taitensit,  SPARRMAN,  Muse.  Carls.  PI.  XXXII  (1787). 

Cuculus  tahitius,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  412  (1788). 

Cuculus /asciatus,  Forster,  Desc.  An.  p.  160  (1844). 

Eudynamys  cuneicawia,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  139  (Ist  ed.  1848).* 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXII,  fig.  2.    Adult? 

The  only  specimen  of  this  species  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition, 
appears  to  us  to  be  that  of  a  young  bird,  and  although  slightly  smaller 
than  the  average  size  of  numerous  other  specimens  now  before  us,  from 
the  collection  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  it  is  apparently  entirely 
identical. 

Our  plate  represents  this  bird  about  two-thirds  of  the  natural  size. 

The  specimen  in  the  collection  was  obtained  in  the  Island  of  Ovolau, 
one  of  the  Feejees.     Its  sex  is  not  stated. 


*  "  Above,  sepia-brown,  with  rufous  lines  on  the  crown,  and  white  spots  on  the  back ; 
beneath  white,  the  feathers  having  central  lines  of  sepia-brown ;  superciliary  line,  band 
on  the  cheek,  and  throat,  pale  tawny ;  wings  moderate,  pointed ;  fourth  quill  L  \gc8t, 
third  nearly  equal ;  color,  sepia-brown,  banded  with  white ;  shafts  white ;  under  coverts 
white ;  upper  coverts  sepia-brown,  with  a  terminal  round  white  spot ;  scapulars  banded 
with  white,  and  having  a  terniinul  white  spot  like  the  coverts ;  tail  cuneate,  the  feathers 
pointed,  sepia-brown,  crossed  by  numerous  curved  bars  of  while  and  pale  tawny  ;  shafts 
brown  above,  white  beneath;  upper  coverts  brown,  barred  with  white;  lower  coverts 
white;  upper  mandible  brown  ;  lower  mandible  yellow;  legs  dusky. 

"  Total  length,  fifteen  and  two-tenths  inches ;  wings,  from  the  carpal  joint,  seven  and 
two*'<''ths  inches;  tail,  eight  and  one-tenth  inches;  outer  fcathcrii,  four  and  three-tenths 
inches ;  tarsi,  one  and  three-tenths  of  an  inch ;  middle  toe,  including  the  claw,  one  and 
one-fourth  of  an  inch  ;  claw,  four-tenths  of  an  inch;  outer  hind  toe,  one  and  one-tenth 
of  an  inch ;  claw,  three-tenths  of  an  inch ;  inner  hind  toe,  six-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  cluw, 
three-tenths  of  an  inch ;  bill,  nine-tenths  of  an  inch ;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  one  and 
four-tenths  of  an  inch."     (Mr.  Peale,  as  above.) 


INSESSORES. 


249 


2,  EuDYNAMYS  ORiENTAus  (lAnnaem). 

Cuculus  orientalis,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  168  (1766). 
Cuculus  scolopacetts,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  170. 
Cucultti  mindanensis,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  169. 

Buflfon,  PL  Enl.  274,  figs.  1,  277,  586 ;  Edwards,  Birds,  II,  Plate 
LIX. 

Specimens  of  this  well-known  Asiatic  species  are  in  the  collection 
of  the  Expedition,  from  the  Sooloo  Islands. 

With  reference  to  this  bird,  Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  A  fine  male  of  this  species  vas  killed  in  the  month  of  February, 
near  Soung,  the  capita'  of  the  Sooloo  Islands.  The  plumage  was  very 
glossy,  the  iris  bright  r^d,  and  the  bill  and  legs  green,  all  of  which  is 
lost  in  the  prepared  skins.  At  the  Island  of  Mangsi,  we  again  saw  it, 
during  a  heavy  storm  of  rain  and  wind,  when  it  uttered  a  loud  and 
clear  whistle,  whenever  disturbed  by  the  firing  of  guns  or  the  falling 
of  trees. 

"  A  female,  obtained  at  the  same  time  and  place,  differs  materially 
from  Latham's  description,  being  of  a  dark  sepia-brown  color  above, 
beautifully  spotted  with  rufous,  with  chestnut-colored  lines  on  the 
head.  Beneath,  it  is  tawny,  brightest  on  the  breast,  where  it  is  line- 
ated  with  black,  the  ^\\y  crossed  with  black  bars;  irides  bright  crim- 
son ;  bill  and  legs  blue-green." 


4.  Genus  CENTROPUS,  Illiger,  Prodromus,  p.  205  (1811). 
1.  Centropus  melanops.  Lesson. 

Centropus  melanops,  Lesson,  Traite  I,  p.  137  (1831);  Pucheran,  Rev.  et  Mag.  de 
Zool.  1852,  p.  473. 

Centroput  nxgrifrons,  Peale,  Zool.  Esp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  137  (lat  ed.  1848). 


'fe,   % 


Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXII,  fig.  1.     Adult. 

Form. — Typical ;  bill  somewhat  curved  and  compressed ;  wing  rather 
short,  rounded ;  first  quill  short,  subspurious,  fifth  longest ;  tail  long, 

63 


■m 


250 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


graduated ;  legs  and  toes  strong,  with  very  distinct  scales ;  claws 
strong.  Feathers  of  the  head  and  neck  with  their  shafts  stiff,  almost 
spinous  on  the  former,  and  with  the  filaments  of  thtir  webs  few  and 
separated  from  each  other,  presenting  an  open  or  skeleton-like  cha- 
racter. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  seventeen  inches;  wing,  six 
and  a  half  inches ;  tail,  nine  and  a  half  inches. 


Colors. — Forehead  and  space  inclosing  the  eyes,  black.  Other 
parts  of  the  head,  the  throat,  neck,  and  breast,  pale  ochre-yellow, 
nearly  white  on  the  throat  and  breast.  Wing-coverts  and  quills  bright 
chestnut.  Back,  rump,  abdomen,  tibiae,  and  tail,  black,  with  a  green 
metallic  lustre  on  the  back  and  abdomen,  and  purple  and  blue  on  the 
tail.     Bill  dark ;  tarsi  lighter.     "Irides  crimson"  (Peale). 

Had. — Mindanao,  Philippine  Islands.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus. 
Washington. 

A  single  specimen  of  this  handsome  bird  was  obtained  near  La 
Caldera,  in  the  Island  of  Mindanao,  and  appears  to  be  in  plumage 
entirely  adult.  The  feathers  of  the  head  and  neck  are  remarkably 
rigid,  and  at  the  points  of  some  of  them  almost  aculeate  or  spinous. 
They  are  also  unusually  open  or  loose  in  their  texture,  the  filaments 
of  the  webs  being  few  and  detached  from  each  other. 

This  species  is  apparently  related  to  Centropus  ateralbus,  Lesson, 
Voy.  Coquille,  Birds,  Plate  XXXIII,  but  in  that  bird  all  the  parts  are 
represented  as  pure  white  which  in  the  present  are  dull  yellow.  The 
figure  in  our  plate  is  about  two-thirds  of  the  size  of  life.  Nothing  re- 
lating to  the  habits  of  this  species  is  recorded  by  the  naturalists  of  the 
Expedition. 


B  A  S  G  R  E  S. 


251 


3.  Order  RASORES.— The  Gallinaceous  Birds. 


1.  Family  COLUMBID^.— The  Pigeons  and  Doves. 


1.  Genus  COLUMBA,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  279  (1766). 

1.  CoLUMBA  viTiENSis,  Qmi/ and  Gaimard. 
Columha  vitiensts,  QuoY  and  Oaimard,  Voy.  Astrolabe,  Zoology,  I,  p.  246  (1830). 

Voy.  Astrolabe,  Ois.  Plate  XXVIII  j  Reichenbach,  VoUst.  Naturg. 
Birds,  Plate  CXXXIX,  fig.  1288. 

Form. — Strong  and  robust;  bill  rather  short;  wing  long,  broad; 
second  and  third  primaries  longest  and  nearly  equal ;  outer  webs  of 
quills  wide  ;  tail  moderate,  truncate  or  slightly  rounded,  containing 
twelve  feathers.  Legs  short ;  tarsus  bare,  showing  in  front  about 
six  transverse  scales ;  toes  but  slightly  padded ;  claws  rather  weak, 
curved. 

Dimensions. — Adult  male.  Total  length  (of  skin),  from  tip  of  bill 
to  end  of  tail,  about  fourteen  inches ;  wing,  nine  and  a  half  inches ; 
tail,  five  inches;  tarsus,  one  inch;  bill,  one  and  one-fourth  of  an  inch. 

Colors. — Adult  male.  Entire  plumage  dark  bluish  ash-color, 
deepest  on  the  upper  parts,  and  lightest  on  the  abdomci,  ventral  region, 
ana  inferior  coverts  of  the  tail,  and  nearly  black  on  the  quills  and  tail. 
Large  space  on  the  throat,  extending  around  under  the  eye,  white. 
Head  above,  and  neck,  with  a  beautiful  metallic  purple  lustre,  changing 
to  fine  green  in  some  lights ;  back,  rump,  and  breast,  metallic  green ; 
tertiary  quills,  wing-coverts,  and  upper  tail-coverts,  distinctly  edged 
and  tipped  with  the  same.     Bill  and  feet  pale. 

Younger.  Like  the  adult,  L'lt  with  the  head  above,  neck,  rump, 
and  breast,  with  a  comparatively  i.iint  metallic  green  lustre.   Bill  and 


-til 


252 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


feet  not  so  pure  yellow.     Throat  white ;  entire  other  plumage,  dark 
bluish  ash  or  slate-color. 

In  this  plumage,  this  bird  is  figured  in  Voy.  Astrolabe,  Birds,  Plate 
XXVIII. 

Younger?    Like  the  preceding  two  birds  in  general  color  and  other  \  ■ 
characters,  but  with  the  head  above  dull  chestnut. 

Hab. — Feejee  Islands.  Celebes  ?  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Wash- 
ington. 

The  specimen  above  described  as  the  adult  of  this  handsome  Pigeon, 
is  in  the  collection  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadel- 
phia, and  is  labelled  as  coming  from  the  Celebes.  Another  specimen, 
very  nearly  in  the  plumage  described  and  figured  in  the  Zoology  of  the 
Voyage  of  the  Astrolabe,  as  above  cited,  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Ex- 
pedition, and  was  obtained  at  the  Feejee  Islands. 

This  bird  belongs  more  properly  to  typical  Golumha,  than  to  the 
genus  Garpophaga.  It  has  been  properly  assigned  by  Reichenbach  to 
his  genus  Janthaenas,  and  is  congeneric  with  Golumha  janthina,  metal- 
Ika,  and  others  of  the  same  group. 

Respecting  this  bird,  Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  Not  uncommon  at  the  Feejee  Islands.  We  observed  them  during 
the  month  of  June,  in  parties  of  three  or  four,  and  a  few  solitary,  from 
which  we  were  led  to  the  conclusion  that  it  was  about  the  last  of  the 
breeding  season,  the  parties  being  generally  composed  of  two  old  and 
two  young  birds.  The  figure  in  the  Zoology  of  the  Voyage  of  the 
Astrolabe,  appears  to  have  been  taken  from  a  young  male.  A  female 
measured,  when  killed,  fourteen  and  a  half  inches  long,  and  twenty- 
four  and  three-fourtl  .iches  across  the  wings ;  irides  yellowish-brown  ; 
eyelids  and  feet  dusky  lake-red ;  bill  black." 


2.   COLUMBA  CASTANEICEPS,  Peak. 

Columba  rattaneiceps,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Vincenncs,  Birds,  p.  187  (first 
edition,  1848). 


Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXIII.     Adult  ? 


R  A  S  0  R  E  S. 


253 


C.  vltiemi  aimilis,  Ckda  alba,  cajnte  supra  castaneo,  corpore  supra  toto 
saturate  cineraceo-fusco,  alis  caudaque  prope  nigris.  Long.  tot.  14 
pollUxs. 

B'oRM. — Size  and  general  form  very  8imilar  to  the  species  immediately 
preceding.  Bill  moderate,  rather  slender ;  wings  long,  broad ;  second, 
third,  and  fourth  primaries  longest,  and  very  nearly  equal ;  inner 
webs  of  quills  wide;  tail  moderate,  truncate,  containing  twelve 
feathers ;  legs  short ;  tarsus  naked,  and  presenting  in  front  about 
six  or  seven  transverse  scales ;  claws  moderate  or  rather  weak. 

Dimensions. — Male.  Total  length  (of  skin),  from  tip  of  bill  to  end 
of  tail,  about  fourteen  inches ;  wing,  eight  and  three-fourths  inches ; 
tail,  five  and  a  half  inches ;  tarsus,  one  inch ;  bill,  to  corner  of  the 
mouth,  one  and  one-fourth  of  an  inch. 

Colors. — Male.  Large  space  on  the  throat,  extending  around,  under, 
and  beyond  the  eye,  white.  Head  above,  chestnut-color.  Entire  other 
plumage  dark-brown,  with  an  ashy  tinge,  darker  above,  and  nearly 
block  on  the  wings  and  tail,  and  lightest  on  the  lower  parts  of  the 
body.  Plumage  of  the  neck,  back,  and  rump,  edged  with  fine  metallic 
green,  on  the  breast  with  the  same,  and  with  rich  purple.  Inferior 
coverts  of  the  wings,  dark  ashy-brown.  "  Irides  dark-brown ;  eyelids, 
bill,  and  feet,  lake-red"  (Peale).  Female  like  the  male,  but  with  the 
colors  duller. 


Hab. — Upolu,  Samoan  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washing- 


ton. 


This  bird  is  either  the  young  or  other  immature  plumage  of  the 
preceding  {Cdumha  vltiemis),  or  a  very  nearly  allied  species.  We 
have,  however,  been  under  the  necessity  of  resting  satisfied  with  being 
able  to  determine  but  small  distinguishing  characters  in  species  in- 
habiting the  Islands  in  the  Pacific  and  Indian  Oceans,  especially  when 
they  appeared  to  us  to  present  these  characters  constantly,  and  to  be 
distinct  specifically.  Though  intimately  resembling  the  preceding, 
the  present  bird  may  readily  be  distinguished  by  the  chestnut-color, 
without  metallic  lustre  of  the  top  of  the  head,  which  appears  to  be 
much  more  distinct  than  in  the  young  of  that  species. 

64 


m 


'iM 


254 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Mr.  Peale  gives  the  dimensions  of  this  bird : 

"  Total  length,  sixteen  and  one-fourth  inches  j  extent  of  the  wings, 
twenty-six  and  one-eighth  inches,"  and  observes  that  this  species  is 
"strictly  arboreal,  and  was  principally  found  in  the  dense  forests 
which  cover  the  mountains  of  Upolu,  one  of  the  Samoan  Islands."         ^ 

Like  the  preceding,  this  bird  belongs  to  the  group  designated  as  the 
genus  Janthaenaa,  by  Reichenbach,  which  is  adopted  by  Bonaparte,  in 
Conspectus  Avium,  vol.  II,  p.  44  (Leyden,  1857). 


3.   COLUMBA  FASCIATA,  Say. 

Columha  fascialn,  Say,  in  Long's  Exp.  II,  p.  10  (1823). 
Columha  monilis,  Vigors. 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCLXVII;  oct.  ed.  IV,  Plate  CCLXXIX; 
Bonap.  Am.  Orn.  I,  plate  VIII,  fig.  3. 

This  fine  species  is  mentioned  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition 
as  having  been  frequently  met  with  in  Oregon,  and  occasionally  in 
large  numbers.  This  bird  belongs  to  a  minor  group  of  Columha,  desig- 
nated by  Reichenbach  as  the  genus  Chloroenas,  which  includes  also 
the  species  immediately  succeeding. 


4.   CoLUMBA   ARAUCANA,  Xcs«Wi. 

Columha  araucana,  Lesson,  Voy.  Coquillc,  I,  p.  706  (1820). 
Columha  fleuist'a,  Tkmm  PI.  Col.  IV  (liv.  86,  about  1830). 
Columha  Fitzroj/i,  KiNO,  Zool.  Jour.  IV,  p.  92  (1828). 

V 
Voy.  Coquille,  Ois.  Plate  XL ;  Temm.  PI.  Col.  502. 

A  handsome  and  abundant  bird  of  Chili,  and  of  other  countries  of 
Western  South  America,  of  which  numerous  specimens  are  in  the 
collection  of  the  £xpeuition. 


R  A  S  0  R  E  S. 


255 


2.  Genus  CARPOPHAGA,  Selby,  Naturalist's  Library,  Orn.  V,  p.  112  (1835). 

1.  CaRPOPUAGA  novae  ZEALANDIiE  {Otnelin). 

Columha  novae  zeakmdice,  Gm.  Syst.  Nut.  I,  p.  773  (1788). 

Columba  spadUea  el  zealandicu,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  II,  p.  003,  and  Supp.  p.  60  (1790, 
1801). 

Columha  leucogastra,  Wao^BR,  Syst.  Av.  (not  paged,  1827). 
Columha  argelraea,  FoRSTER,  Deso.  An.  p.  80  (1844). 

Knip  &  Prev.  Pig.  II,  Plate  I ;  Reichenbach,  Vollst.  Naturg.  Birds, 
Plate  CXXXVIII,  fig.  1286,  Plate  CCCVII,  fig.  2480. 

Specimens  of  this  magnificent  Pigeon  are  in  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition,  and  were  obtained  in  New  Zealand.  On  examination  and 
close  comparison  with  others  in  Mr.  Gould's  collection  in  the  Museum 
of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  from  Australia  and  Norfolk  Island,  we 
can  detect  no  differences  sufficient,  in  our  estimation,  to  induce  a  sus- 
picion that  there  is  any  specific  distinction,  though  the  New  Zealand 
bird  has  been  regarded  as  distinct  by  eminent  and  reliable  ornitholo- 
gists. All  the  specimens  to  which  we  allude  are,  in  our  judgment,  of 
one  species  only,  and  we  regard  all  the  names  above  given  as  syno- 
nymes. 

This  fine  species  is  the  type  of  the  genus  Hemiphaga,  established  by 
the  Prince  Bonaparte  in  his  Monograph  in  Conspectus  Avium,  II,  p. 
38.     It  is  probably  a  subgeneric  form,  only  of  the  genus  Garpopliaga. 

Mr.  Peale  remarks  in  reference  to  this  bird : 

"  The  Cucupyi,  or  Virgin,  as  this  beautiful  Pigeon  is  called  by  the 
natives,  was  observed  in  great  numbers  in  the  woody  districts  of  the 
Bay  of  Islands,  New  Zealand.  We  never  saw  it  alight  on  the  ground, 
but  observed  that  it  preferred  the  hilly  country  and  the  dense  foliage 
of  the  tall  forest  trees  for  its  retreat. 

"  The  sexes  differ  but  little  from  each  other,  the  males  being  a  trifle 
the  larger,  and  more  brilliant  in  golden  and  copper  reflections.  A 
female  measured  nineteen  and  one-eighth  inches  in  length,  and  thirty- 


*4| 


256 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


two  ftnd  a  half  inches  across  the  wings;  irides,  bill,  and  feet,  lake-red, 
the  tip  of  the  bill  orange  color,  shaded  gradually  into  the  red." 

Dr.  Pickering  also  mentions  having  frequently  noticed  this  bird  : 
"  generally  solitary  in  the  deep  woods  and  high  up  among  the 
branches.  It  did  not  appear  to  be  very  readily  procured,  though 
much  sought  for  as  a  delicacy  for  the  table." 


2.  Carpopdaga  AURORiE,  Hale. 

Carpophaga  aurorir,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  ViDoennes,  Birds,  p.  201  (Ist 
ed.  1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXIV.    Adult  male  and  female. 

Supra  saturate'Coerttlea,  metalico  viriiU  mlcante.  Capite,  collo,  corpore- 
que  infra  pallide  cinereia ;  crissis  satur<i'  nlwuheis.  Long.  tot.  16 
jiollicea. 

Form. — Large,  about  the  size  of,  or  rather  larger  than  Carpophaga 
perspiciUata  (Temm.).  Bill  rather  short,  with  a  large  frontal  pro- 
tuberance ;  wing  rather  long ;  third  quill  longest ;  primaries  taper- 
ing towards  their  ends;  tail  moderate,  wide,  truncate,  containing 
fourteen  feathers.  Tarsus  feathered  somewhat  below  the  joint  with 
.  the  tibia,  and  showing  about  six  scales  in  front ;  toes  moderate ; 
hind  toe  much  padded  and  flattened ;  claws  rather  strong,  curved. 

Dimensions. — Male.  Total  length  (of  skin),  from  tip  of  bill  to  end 
of  tail,  about  sixteen  inches ;  wing,  ten  and  a  half  inches ;  tail,  six 
and  a  half  inches ;  bill,  to  corner  of  the  mouth,  one  and  three-tenths 
of  an  inch ;  tarsus,  one  and  a  half  inches.  (Extent  of  wings,  thirty- 
one  inches,  according  to  Mr.  Peale.) 


Colors. — Male.  Head,  neck,  and  entire  under  parts,  pale  cinereous, 
nearly  white  at  the  bases  of  both  mandibles,  and  very  light  on  the 
entire  head,  neck,  and  breast,  deeper  on  the  abdomen,  and  dark  on 
the  ventral  region,  inclining  to  lead  color.  Under  coverts  of  the  tail 
dark  lead-color,  glossed  with  metallic  green.     Back,  rump,  wings,  and 


R  A  S  0  R  E  S. 


257 


tnil,  dark  mctallio  blue,  ^ith  green  reflections,  the  latter  color  appear- 
ing to  predominate  in  some  lights.  Under  wing-coverts  and  inferior 
surface  of  the  tnil  browniah-black ;  bill  and  claws  black.  "  Feet  lake- 
red  ;  irides  bright  crimson"  (Mr.  Peale). 

Hab. — Aurora  or  Maitea  Island,  one  of  the  Society  Islands.  Spe- 
cimen in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

This  large  and  handsome  Pigeon  belongs  to  the  same  group  as  Car- 
pojoJiaga  perspiciUata  (Temm.  PI.  Col.  24G),  and  which  includes  also, 
C.  aetim  (Linn.),  C.  hiveniufnfa  (Temm.),  C.  rosacea  (Temm.),  C. 
oceanica  (Less.),  and  others.  From  the  species  mentioned,  the  present 
bird  may  readily  bo  distinguished  by  the  dark  color  of  the  inferior 
coverts  of  its  wings,  but  it  docs  not,  however,  in  other  respects,  in- 
timately resemble  either  of  them.  The  fine  pale  cinereous  of  the  head, 
neck,  and  breast,  of  this  bird,  is  without  any  vinous  tinge  whatever, 
and  is  separated  distinctly  and  abruptly  from  the  dark  blue  of  the 
upper  parts  of  the  body.  It  bears  a  greater  resemblance  to  Garpophaga 
perspiciUata  (Temm.),  than  to  any  other  species  with  which  we  are 
acquainted,  but  not  to  such  an  e.xtent  as  to  be  readily  mistaken  for  it. 
It  also  is  allied  to  C,  myri«Hvivom  (Scopoli).  The  assigning  of  this 
species  by  the  Prince  Bonaparte  to  his  genus  0I<  ^dcera  (Consp.  Av.  II, 
p.  32),  is  not  strictly  correct.  It  belongs  more  properly  to  the  group 
regarded  by  him  as  typical  Carpophaga. 

Of  this  fine  species,  Mr.  Poalo  observes : 

''  This  beautiful  Pigeon  was  found  in  great  abundance  in  high  woody 
districts  amongst  the  coral  rocks  on  Aurora  or  Maitea  Island,  one  of 
the  Society  Group,  All  that  we  obtained  were  males,  and  found  soli- 
tary amidst  the  thick  foliage  of  Qmtarda  speciosa,  on  the  fruit  and 
flowers  of  which  they  were  feeding,  and  were  very  fat.  Their  note 
was  a  single  deep  and  sonorous  fiooty  which  might  readily  have  been 
mistaken  fur  that  of  an  owl ;  they  were  not  shy,  but  it  was  difficult  to 
see  them  when  sitting  in  the  tliick  foliage,  as  they  remained  perfectly 
still  on  our  approach." 

Til  is  bird  may  be  iHJgarded  i\.s  one  of  the  most  interesting  of  the 
zoological  discoveries  of  the  Expedition,  and  is  one  of  the  most  hand- 
some as  well  as  one  of  the  largest  species  of  the  family  of  Pigeons. 
The  metallic  blue  of  the  upper  parts  is  in  the  adult  a  very  beautiful 
color,  and  rarely  occurs  in  this  group. 


■•^g'^ 


258 


0  R  N  I  T  H  0  L  O  a  Y. 


Our  plate  represents  this  bird  about  tbree-fourths  of  the  size  of  life. 


BILL    or    CAnrOPlIAUA    ACRORXr. 


3.  Carfopuaoa  Wilkesii,  I\'ale. 

Carpophaga  Wilkesii,  PcALK,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  203  (let  edition,  1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXV.     Adults. 

Siqyra  saturate  coerulea,  vlmU  mlciwic.  Capltc,  cnllo  et  corpore  infra 
saturate  fnliginosis,  virulcsccnti  metalluv  mlcantc.  Vitla  frontali 
angiista  alba.     Lotig.  tot.  IGh  jwlUces. 

Form. — In  size  and  general  structure  much  resembling  the  preceding 
species  {Carpoiihaga  auroroi,  Pealc).  IJill  with  a  slight  elevation 
at  the  base  of  the  upper  mandible ;  wing  rather  long ;  third  quill 
longest ;  tail  moderate,  wide,  truncate,  composed  of  twelve  feathers. 
Tarsus  feathered  somewhat  below  the  joint  with  the  tibia,  very 
strong,  and  presenting  about  si.v  scales  in  front ;  toes  rather  long, 
much  padded,  especially  the  inner  anterior  and  the  hind  toe ;  claws 
rather  strong,  curved.  Bill  apparently  longer  and  more  slender 
than  in  the  species  immediately  preceding. 

Dimensions. — Male.  Total  length  (of  skin),  from  tip  of  bill  to  end 
of  tail,  about  sixteen  and  a  half  inches ;  wing,  eleven  inches ;  tail, 
seven  inches ;  bill,  to  the  corner  of  the  mouth,  one  and  a  half  inches ; 
tarsus  one  and  a  half  inches. 

Colors. — Head,  neck,  and  entire  under  parts  dark  fuliginous,  lightest 
on  the  throat  and  abdomen,  darkest  on  the  top  of  the  head.  Narrow 
band  at  the  base  of  the  bill,  white. 


R  A  S  0  R  E  S. 


259 


'  Back,  rump,  wings,  and  tail  above,  dark  blue,  with  metallic  green 
reflections,  in  a  strong  light  appearing  to  be  entirely  of  the  latter  color. 
Under  coverts  of  the  wings  brownish-black,  many  of  the  feathers  glossed 
with  metallic  green ;  under  tail-coverts  dark  fuliginous,  and  with  the 
plumage  of  the  ventral  region  glossed  with  metallic  green.  Bill  black ; 
"  feet  orange-brown;  irides  lake-red ;  nails  sepia  brown"  (Peale). 


Hab. 
ton. 


-Tahiti,  Society  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washing- 


The  specimen  above  described,  of  this  fine  Pigeon,  in  size  and  gene- 
ral form  much  resembles  Carpophaga  aurorcn,  Peale,  but  can  be  imme- 
diately distinguished  by  the  dark  colors  of  the  head,  neck,  and  inferior 
surface  of  the  body.  The  two  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Ex- 
pedition have,  moreover,  but  twelve  feathers  in  their  tails.  The  plu- 
mage is  without  any  vinous  tinge  whatever,  though  this  species  evi- 
dently belongs  to  the  group  of  species  mentioned  in  our  article  on  the 
bird  immediately  preceding. 

We  regard  it  as  scarcely  possible,  that  the  present  bird  can  be  the 
species  described  under  the  name  of  Columha  Forsteri,  by  Wagler,  in 
the  Isis,  1829,  p.  739,  and  which  is  Columha  (jlohicera,  Variety  1,  of 
Forster,  Descriptiones  Animalium,  p.  106  (1844).*  The  descriptions 
of  both  of  these  naturalists  are  not  sufficiently  applicable  to  this  species 
to  warrant  such  conclusion.  Wagler  states  expressly,  that  the  under 
tail-coverts  are  ferruginous,  and  the  same  is  given  by  Forster.f  What- 
ever may  be  the  color  of  the  plumage  of  this  part  or  of  other  parts 
of  this  bird  at  any  age  less  mature  than  that  of  the  specimens  now 
before  us,  and  we  have  found  exceeding  caution  necessary  in  investi- 
gating the  nearly  allied  species  of  the  beautiful  birds  of  this  family, 
we  must  at  present  regard  the  entirely  different  color  of  the  inferior 
coverts  of  the  tail  in  the  present  specimens  as  sufficient,  even  if  no 
others  existed.  No  dimensions  are  given  by  Wagler,  nor  by  Forster, 
of  the  bird  that  he  regarded  as  a  variety,  and  neither  of  those  authors 
give  satisfactory  descriptions  of  their  proposed  species. 

*  Cited  by  Wagler  as  "  Forster  in  Manusor."  The  manuscript  alluded  to  was  after- 
wards (in  1844),  published  by  Professor  H.  Lichtenstein,  under  the  title  of  "  J.  R. 
Forsteri  Descriptiones  Animalium  in  Itinera  ad  Maris  Australis  Terras  per  aunos  1772, 
74,  suscepto  observatorum,  editit  H.  Lichtenstein."    One  volume,  octavo,  Berlin,  1844. 

f  "  CrisBO  ferrugineo,"  Wagler.     "  Crissum  ferrugineum,"  Forster. 


1. 1     . 


260 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Like  the  preceding,  the  present  bird  bears  some  resemblance  to 
Carjpophaga  perspivillata  (Temm.V  and  belongs  to  the  same  generic 
and  subgeneric  group.  It  is  given  by  the  Prince  Bonaparte  in  his 
Monograph,  without  apparent  hesitation  or  qualification,  as  Columha 
Forsteri.  Wagler,  which  is,  under  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  totally 
erroneous  and  improper.  As  staled  above,  the  descriptions  by  both 
the  authors  mentioned,  are  insufficient  for  the  ideutification  of  this 
bird,  at  least,  or  if  intended  to  be  applicable  to  it,  absolutely  give 
erroneous  characters.  In  no  case  ought  the  name  of  Wagler  to  be 
adopted  for  this  species. 

In  reference  to  this  fine  species,  Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  The  natives  of  Tahiti,  in  describing  the  productions  of  their  beau- 
tiful island,  told  us  that  there  was  a  large  species  of  bird  found  high 
up  in  the  mountains,  which  fed  upon  the  f'ei,  a  species  of  red  plan- 
tain which  grows  wild  in  very  elevated  situations,  and  that  they  had 
always  been  unsuccessful  in  their  attempts  to  get  it  for  the  naturalists 
of  the  Expeditions  which  have  so  frequently  anchored  in  their  harbors. 
We  were  successful,  after  great  labor  and  peril,  in  loaching  the  region 
and  in  shooting  several,  but  felt  disappointed  at  the  time,  as  we  be- 
lieved them  to  be  identical  with  the  last-described  species  (C.  aurorce), 
and,  notwithstanding  the  Tahitian  assurances  to  the  contrary,  re- 
mained of  the  same  opinion  until  the  Expedition  returned  to  the 
United  States,  whei  a  comparison  of  specimens,  which  could  not  be 
made  sooner,  proved  that  the  Islanders  were  correct. 

"  It  was  raining  incessantly  all  the  time  we  remained  in  the  ele- 
vated situation  where  this  Pigeon  was  obtained,  and  having  no  shelter, 
we  were  obliged  to  return  without  finding  its  nest,  or  learning  that  it 
had  any  peculiar  habits,  further  than  that  it  is  restricted  to  certain 
regions  in  the  mountains,  at  an  altitude  of  three  or  four  thousand 
feet,  and  is  seldom,  if  ever,  seen  near  the  coast,  being  probably  limited 
in  itd  range  by  its  favorite  food,  the  Fei.  One  specimen,  now  in  the 
National  Collection  in  the  City  of  Washington,  was  killed  by  Captain 
Wilkes  (to  whom  we  have  dedicated  the  species),  at  Aurora,  or  Maitea 
Island,  in  which  we  did  not  learn  that  this  plant  was  produced  " 

This  is  a  beautiful  bird,  and  like  the  pieeeding,  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant and  interesting  of  the  zoological  discoveries  of  the  Expedition. 
As  may  be  inferred  from  our  plates,  this  bird  bears  some  resemblance 
to  the  species  described  in  our  last  article,  but  is  entirely  distinct, 
though  inhabiting  the  same  group  of  islands.  It  is  one  of  the  largest 
'>f  Pigeons,  an-'  is  probably  peculiar  to  the  Society  Islands, 


R  A  S  0  R  E  S. 


261 


The  dedication  of  this  fine  species  to  Captain  Charles  Wilkes,  of  the 
United  States  Navy,  under  whose  command  the  voyage  of  the  Explor- 
ing Expedition  was  performed,  we  regard  as  a  just  and  suitable  testi- 
monial to  the  valuable  services  to  science  of  that  distinguished  officer. 

Our  plate  represents  this  bird  about  two-thirds  of  the  size  of  life. 


4.  Cabpophaga  latrans,  Rale. 
CarpophcKja  latrans,  Peale,  Zoology,  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  200  (Ist  ed.  1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXVI.     Adults. 

Cauda  supra  vuhrchfusca.  Corpore  supra  saturate  fusco,  capite  et  collo 
cinereis.  Corpore  i»fra  cinereo-vinaceo,  abdomine  saturatiore,  crissls 
flavescenti  fuscis.     Lony.  tot.  IQ  poUices. 

Form. — Large,  about  the  size  of  G.  cinerojcea  (Temm.).  Bill  rather 
long  and  slender  (without  a  frontal  protuberance,  in  the  specimens 
here  described) ;  wing  moderate ;  third  primary  longest ;  tail  rather 
long,  truncate,  or  slightly  emarginate,  containing  fourteen  feathers ; 
legs  short ;  tarsus  feathered  for  more  than  half  its  length,  and  show- 
ing in  front  three  broad  scales;  toes  much  flattened  on  their  uiider 
surface ;  hind  toe,  with  a  row  of  bristles  on  each  side  of  the  central 
row  of  scales  throughout  its  length.   Claws  strong,  curved,  flattened. 

Dlmensions. — Male.  Total  length,  from  tip  of  bill  to  end  of  tail 
(of  skin),  about  sixteen  inches;  wing,  nine  and  a  half  inches  ;  tail, 
seven  inches ;  bill,  to  the  corner  of  the  mouth,  one  and  a  half  inches ; 
tarsus,  one  and  one-eighth  of  an  inch. 

Colors. — Male.  Tail  above,  glossy  reddish-brown  (or  liver-brown) ; 
below  much  lighter,  with  a  fine  glaucous  cast.  Head  and  back  ciiie- 
reous,  tinged  with  reddish ;  other  upper  parts  dark-brown,  glossy. 
Neck  before,  and  breast,  ashy  purple  (or  vinaceous),  which  color 
blends  into  light  reddish  fulvous  on  the  abdomen ;  inferior  tail-coverts 
pale  jellov/ish-brown  or  tawny,  every  feather  darker  at  its  base,  and 
delicately  mottled  and  punctated  with  brown.    Quills  brownish-black, 

ft 


■  i''t4 


262 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


tinged  with  ashy  on  their  outer  webs,  and  with  their  inner  webs  edged 
with  deep  rufous  at  their  bases,  most  conspicuous  seen  from  below. 
Inferior  coverts  of  the  wings  dark  rufous.  Bill  black ;  "  irides  lake- 
red;  eyelids  carmine-red ;  feet  lake-red"  (Peale).  Female,  rather 
lighter  on  the  upper  parts ;  head  and  neck  somewhat  darker. 

Hab. — Feejee  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 


This  beautiful  Pigeon  is  more  nearly  related  to  Carpophaga  cine- 
racea  (Temm.  PI.  Col.  563),  than  to  any  other  species  which  has  come 
under  our  notice.  It  does  not,  however,  resemble  that  species  to  such 
an  extent  as  to  justify  any  suspicion  of  their  identity,  and  the  colors 
of  the  present  bird,  especially  the  fine  brown  of  the  tail,  are  sufficiently 
characteristic.  Like  the  preceding  two  species,  it  .properly  belongs  to 
the  typical  genus  Carpopharja. 

Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  This  species  was  us'ially  found  in  lofty  forest  trees  with  dense 
foliage,  and  bearing  a  fruit  on  which  it  feeds.  Its  voice  is  quite  pecu- 
liar, consisting  of  a  puflingblow,  not  unlike  that  uttered  by  a  strutting 
turkey,  followed  by  a  whoo-wlux),  at  short  intervals,  sounding  like  the 
Ijarking  of  a  dog,  for  which  reason  we  have  given  the  specific  naine 
Jafrans.  The  native  name  appears  somewhat  similar,  vhdiu  being  the 
Feejee  for  bird,  and  mmo,  an  imitation  of  its  note.  We  did  not  see  it 
anywhere  but  in  mountainous  districts  of  the  Feejee  Islands." 

Dr.  Pickering  also  mentions  the  peculiar  note  of  this  species :  "  by 
which,"  he  says,  "  I  have  repeatedly  been  deceived  for  a  moment,  mis- 
taking it  for  the  barking  of  a  small  dog."  According  to  him,  it  is 
cumraon  in  the  deep  woods  of  the  Fecjees,  and  its  note  was  h^ard  in 
some  localities  almost  constantly. 

This  is  another  of  the  large  and  handsome  Pigeons,  in  the  discovery 
of  which,  the  naturalists  of  the  Exploring  Expedition  were  peculiarly 
successful  and  fortunate.  These  discoveries  are  not  only  intrinsically 
of  the  highest  interest,  but  afford  an  indication  of  the  results  to  be 
obtained  from  the  zoological  exploration  of  the  many  islands  in  the 
Pacific  Ocean,  a  portion  only  of  which  have  as  yet  been  investigated 
with  that  degree  of  attention  which  they  deserve,  by  the  naturalists 
of  the  present  and  a  few  other  Expeilitions.  There  is  no  more  inte- 
resting zoological,  and  especially  ornithological  region  in  the  world, 


*? 
* 


R  A  S  0  R  E  S. 


263 


than  that  comprising  the  numerouB  islands  and  groups  of  islands  to 
which  we  allude. 

This  bird  is  represented  in  the  plate  of  our  Atlas,  above  cited,  about 
three-fourths  of  the  natural  size. 


.    5.  Carpophaga  microcera  {Bcmaparte). 
Glohicera  microcera,  BoNAP.  Consp.  Av.  II,  p.  31  (1854). 
Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXIX.    Adult. 

In  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  s.re  severnl  specimens  from  the 
Samoan  or  Navigator  Islands,  which  appear  to  be  this  species.  They 
are  in  mature  plumage  and  good  preservation,  and  constantly  present 
the  characters  indicated  in  the  Prince  Bonaparte  &  description,  espe- 
cially the  uniform  vinaceous  coloring  of  the  under  parts  of  the  body, 
and  the  deep  chestnut  of  the  under  tail-coverts. 

This  bird  is  evidently  nearly  related  to  Columba  glohicera,  Waaler, 
described  also  by  Forster  in  Desc.  An.  p.  166.  It  has  the  appendage 
attached  to  the  cere  at  the  base  of  the  bill,  larger  than  would  be  in- 
ferred from  Bonaparte's  specific  name,  and  probably  nearly  equal  to 
that  of  any  other  species  of  this  group.  In  this  respect,  the  name 
microcera,  is  not  entirely  appropriate. 

This  species  appears  to  be  restricted  to  the  Samoan  Islands,  and  is 
alluded  to  by  Mr.  Peale  under  the  name  Carpophaya  oceanica,  from 
which,  however,  it  is  quite  distinct. 

In  rekrence  to  this  bird,  Mr.  Peale  gives  the  following  interesting 
particulars : 

"  At  the  Samoan  Islands,  particularly  Upolu,  we  saw  this  species  in 
great  abundance ;  the  woods  abounded  with  them  wherever  fruit  or 
berries  occurred ;  they  were  exceedingly  ftit,  and  afforded  us  many 
delicious  meals.  At  Tongatabu,  we  saw  them,  but  jiot  in  such  great 
numbers ;  and  again,  a  few  were  seen  at  the  Ouke  of  York's  Island. 

*'  While  crossing  the  Island  of  Upolu,  we  now  and  then  saw  little 
thatched  houses  of  only  four  or  five  feet  elevation,  by  six  or  seven 
long,  which  were  built  in  open  spaces  on  mountain  promontories,  and 
we  were  informed  had  been  constructed  as  blinds  or  places  of  conceal- 
ment, from  which  'Lupis  wei*e  caught  with  arrows. 


if  n  < 

"'i. 


Ml 

f. 

p  'I 

11 


%] 


ii.'     ■''««.,.,;  i 


■■      a' 


■*«, 


264 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


"  The  bows  used  for  this  purpose  are  short,  not  more  than  three  or 
four  feet  long,  but  the  arrows  are  six  or  seven  feet,  made  of  light  cane, 
and  having  four  pointed  and  barbed  pieces  of  hard  wood  in- 
serted at  the  end,  with  their  barbs  pointing  inwards ;  these 
being  slightly  elastic,  and  wide  enough  between  the  points 
to  receive  the  body  of  a  Lupi,  which  is  about  the  size  of  a 
domestic  pigeon ;  when  the  arrow  is  discharged  from  the 
bow,  the  chances  are  in  favor  of  the  bird  being  caught  be- 
tween the  points,  and  held  there  until  taken  out  alive. 

"  Much  time  is  devoted  to  capturing  and  taming  this  beau- 
tiful species  of  Pigeon,  which  may  be  seen  in  almost  every 
house,  and  even  in  their  canoes,  where  perches  are  erected 
expressly  for  it.  It  is  generally  kept  clean  and  in  good 
condition. 

"  The  process  of  taming  a  wild  bird  occupies  much  time, 
and  is  accomplished  by  connecting  the  two  feet  by  a  hopple, 
made  of  fine  cord  wrapped  with  tap)a  so  as  not  to  hurt  it, 
which  is  joined  to  a  cord  twenty  or  thirty  yards  long,  the 
opposite  end  of  which  is  fastened  to  a  perch.  The  bird  is 
then  thrown  up,  and  flying  to  the  length  of  the  cord,  is 
gently  jerked  back;  the  violence  of  the  jerk  being  propor- 
tioned to  the  necessary  discipline.  The  operation  appears 
painful,  and  the  distressed  pupil  is  kept  flying  until  it  dis- 
covers that  there  is  no  resting-place  but  its  master's  hand 
or  the  perch.  It  soon  gains  confidence,  and  not  being 
allowed  to  receive  any  food  but  chewed  taro,  or  breadfruit 
from  its  master's  mouth,  becomes  very  tame. 

"  While  in  port  at  the  Samoan  Islands,  our  ships  were 
constantly  surrounded  by  the  canoes  of  the  natives,  in 
many  of  which  roosts  wore  stuck  up,  and  pigeons  perched 
on  them ;  they  had  cords  fastened  to  their  feet,  though  they 
seldom  attempted  to  fly,  all  appearing  to  be  on  the  most  familiar 
terms  with  their  owners,  who  could  seldom  be  induced  to  part  with 
their  pets.  Doves  {Ptilinopus  fascUiUm),  were  frequently  seen  domesti- 
cated by  the  natives  in  the  same  manner,  but  they  were  not  in  as  per- 
fect discipline,  or  so  highly  valued. 

"  An  average-sized  male,  killed  at  Upolu,  was  sixteen  and  a  half 
inches  long,  by  twenty-nine  inches  extent  of  wings.  A  female  was 
fifteen  and  three-fourths  inches  long,  and  twenty-eight  inches  in  extent 
across  the  wings. 


RASORES. 


265 


"  The  knob,  or  caruncle  over  the  nostrils,  was  not  seen  rounded  in 
the  form  figured  by  MM.  Lesson  and  Garnot,  in  the  Zoological  Atlas 
to  the  Voyage  of  the  CoqulUe,  PI.  XLI,  but  more  in  the  form  of  the 
outline  below  the  description  of  G.  aurorce,  which  was  sketched  from 
a  living  specimen." 

According  to  Dr.  Pickering,  this  species  was  common  in  the  Islands 
of  Tutuila,  Upolu,  and  Savai,  of  the  Samoan  or  Navigator  Group. 

The  knob  at  the  base  of  the  bill  in  this  bird  is  not  so  greatly  de- 
veloped as  in  some  other  species,  at  least  this  is  the  case  in  the  speci- 
mens now  before  us,  from  the  collection  of  the  Expedition.  This 
appendage  occurs  in  several  species  of  the  group  of  fruit-eating  Pigeons, 
and  is  we  suspect,  :..ot  only  peculiar  to,  or  largest  in  the  male  bird, 
but  also  most  observable  at  the  commencement  of  the  season  of  incu- 
bation, like  the  appendages  on  the  head  and  neck,  or  wattles,  of  the 
turkey. 

The  adult  male  of  this  species  is  represented  in  our  plate  rather 
smaller  than  the  natural  size. 


Ju^i 


SAMOAS    PIOEOV    ROOST. 


6.  Carpophaga  bicolor  (Scoiwll). 

Columba  bkolor,  Scop.  Flor.  et  Faun.  Insub.  11,  p.  94  (1786). 
Varpophaija  casta,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Vincennes,  Birds,  p.  204   'flrst 
edition,  1848).* 

*  "  IlcaJ,  neck,  body,  half  of  the  tail,  wing-covcrts  above  and  beneath,  scapulars  and 
tertiaries,  of  a  delicate  cream-color  while  the  bird  is  living,  but  whioh  changes  to  white 
in  the  dried  skins.     Spurious  wings,  primaries  and  secondaries,  pure  black,  with  black 

07 


■^  Tilt 


H$^\ 


26ft 


ORNITHOLOGY, 


Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXVIII.    Adult  male. 

Scopoli  names  this  species  in  his  Catalogue  of  the  Animals  described 
and  figured  in  Sonnerat's  Voyage  to  China  and  the  East  Indies  ;* 
which  catalogue  is  in  Deliciae  Florae  et  Faunae  Insubricae  II,  Pt.  II 
p.- 84  (1786,  Folio).  His  description  is,  however,  scarcely  sufficient 
to  identify  the  species  without  Sonnerat's  Plate  (Voyage,  vol.  Ill,  PI. 
CIII),  which  he  evidently,  in  mistake,  cites  as  representing  his  Co- 
lumba  myrMeicora,  omitting  entirely  the  citation  of  any  Plate  of  Son- 
nerat  for  the  present  bird.  Columlm  myristidvora,  Scopoli,  is  repre- 
sented in  Sonnerat's  Plate  CII,  of  vol.  Ill ;  Golumha  hicolor,  Scopoli, 
is  Plate  CIII,  of  the  same  volume ;  and  it  will  be  found  that  Scopoli 
had  already  in  his  Catalogue  cited  "  Plate  CII,"  without  mentioning 
the  volume  as  Golumha  chinensis,  but  that  species  is  represented  in 
Plate  CII,  of  vol.  II,  to  which  he  evidently  meant  to  refer.  This 
error,  though  it  has  led  to  confusion  respecting  the  species  described, 
is  not  important,  so  far  as  relates  to  the  identification  of  the  present 
bird,  the  colors  of  which  being  so  easily  found  to  agree  with  the  de- 
scription and  figure  as  to  be  immediately  recognized. 

This  species  much  resembles  the  Australian  Carpoplimja  luctuosa 
(Temm.),  Gould's  Birds  of  Australia,  V,  PI.  LX,  but  differs  in  being 
rather  smaller,  and  in  the  ventral  region  and  under  coverts  of  the  tail 
being  pure  white,  and  not  spotted  with  black  as  in  G.  luctuosa.  It 
has,  moreover,  fourteen  feathers  in  the  tail  instead  of  twelve,  as  in 
that  species ;  a  character  which,  though  very  remarkable  and  liable  ■ 
to  be  mistaken  in  prepared  specimens,  is  constant  in  numerous  speci- 
mens of  both  species  now  before  us,  including  several  from  Mr.  Gould's 
Australian  collection. 


shafts;  second  quill  longest;  tail  slightly  rounded,  consisting  of  fourteen  feathers,  the 
middle  six  black  half  way  from  their  extremities;  the  others  have  the  black  gradually 
narrower,  the  outer  two  being  merely  tipped ;  they  are  margined  with  black  on  their 
outer  webs  nearly  to  the  body.  Bill,  eyelids,  and  feet  pale  blue;  tip  of  the  bill  and 
claws  black;  irides  brown.     Male. 

"  Total  length,  sixteen  and  one-half  inches ;  extent  of  wings,  twenty-nine  and  one- 
fourth  inches ;  wings,  from  the  carpal  joint,  ten  and  one-fourth  inches  ;  tail,  five  and  one- 
half  inches;  tarsi,  one  and  three-twentieths  of  an  inch;  middle  toe,  including  the  claw, 
one  and  eight-tenths  of  an  inch ;  claw,  one-half  of  an  inch ;  bill,  nine-tenths  of  an  inch  ; 
from  the  corner  of  the  mouth  one  and  one-half  inches." 

*  "Specimen  Zoologicum  exhibens  chaructores  Genericos  et  specificos,  necnon  Nomina 
rriviulia  novorum  Animalium,  quae  Clarissimus  Sonnerat,  in  China  et  iu  Indiis  orieu- 
talil)u.s  nupcr  detexit."     Scopoli's  Title,  as  above. 


R  A  S  0  R  E  S. 


267 


Of  the  present  bird  one  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Philadel- 
phia Academy  is  labelled  as  coming  from  the  Island  of  Amboina. 
Others  are  without  labels.  A  single  specimen,  in  excellent  plumage 
and  preservation,  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  and  represented 
in  our  plate,  is  from  the  Sooloo  Islands. 

Mr.  Peale's  account  of  this  bird  is  as  follows : 

"  This  chaste  and  beautiful  Pigeon  was  seen  in  large  flocks  near  the 
town  of  Soung,  the  capital  of  the  Sooloo  Islands.  The  specimen  from 
which  our  drawing  was  made,  was  killed  on  an  island  nearly  opposite 
to  Soung,  where  we  found  them,  during  the  heat  of  the  day,  sitting 
quietly  amongst  the  dense  foliage  of  large  trees  bearing  a  fruit  having 
the  appearance  of  olives,  but  smaller.  With  this  fruit  their  ciops 
were  filled,  and  the  birds  were  in  excellent  condition.  Their  voice  is 
a  tremulous  and  continued  coo ;  their  flight  rapid  and  dodging,  like 
the  domestic  pigeons." 

This  species  belongs  to  the  group  to  which  Reichenbach  has  given 
the  generic  name  Myristicivora,  adopted  in  Bonaparte's  Monograph 
(Consp.  Av.  II,  p.  36).  The  regarding  of  this  bird  as  identical  with 
G.  luctuosa,  is  an  error  into  which  that  distinguished  author  has  fallen 
with  others,  on  account  of  the  obscurity  of  Scopoli's  description  and 
citations  of  plates  above  alluded  to,  and  his  synonyms  are  conse- 
quently erroneous.  We  may  also  take  the  liberty  of  saying  that  .  " 
the  citations  of  plates  of  the  Atlas  to  Mr.  Peale's  volume,  given  in 
Consp.  A' .,  vol.  II,  are  also  erroneous,  because  such  Atlas  never  was 
published,  nor  were  many  of  the  plates  engraved,  until  during  the 
j^iuparation  of  the  present  volume.  The  Prince  Bonaparte  cites  the 
plates  without  having  seen  them,  as  given  in  Mr.  Peale's  text.  This 
bird  is  assuredly  not  that  represented  either  in  "  Knip.  Pig.  II,  t.  40," 
nor  "Gould,  Austr.  V,  t.  60,"  but  is, notwithstanding,  we  think,  the  true 
Coi  •  mba  bicolor,  Scopoli. 


i*5    ■' 
■■(;.  < 

>J3 


Our  figure  of  this  species  is  about  three-fourths  of  the  size  of  life, 
and  represents  the  adult  m«i«e. 


^« 


7.  Carpophaga  Pickeringii,  Cassin. 

Carpnpharja  PlrJceri'nffi'i,  Cassin,  Proc.  Acad.  Philada.  VII,  p.  228  (1854). 
Carjpophaija  chalj/bura,  Bonaparte,  Comptes  RenduB,  1854,  p.  1074? 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXVII.     Adult. 


268 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Form. — About  the  size  of  G.  cenea.  No  frontal  knob ;  bill  moderate, 
rather  slender;  wings  with  the  second  and  third  quills  longest, 
and  nearly  equal ;  tail  rather  long,  consisting  of  fourteen  feathers ; 
legs  moderate,  or  rather  strong ;  upper  half  of  tarsus  feathered ; 
lower  half  presenting  in  front  three  or  four  wide,  transverse  scales. 
Claws  strong,  compressed,  curved. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  about  fifteen  and  one-half  inches;  wing, 
nine  and  one-half  inches ;  tail,  nine  and  one-half  inches. 

Colors. — Under  coverts  of  the  tail  light  cinereous.  Head,  neck,  and 
entire  under  parts  purplish,  cinereous,  or  vinaceous,  darker,  and 
with  the  purple  most  distinct  on  the  top  of  the  head,  the  breast, 
and  the  abdomen,  the  cinereous  mingling  gradually  with  the  darker 
color  of  the  back,  which,  with  the  rump,  wings,  and  tail,  are  dark, 
ashy  brown,  with  a  green,  metallic  lustre,  most  brilliant  on  the 
tail.  Under  wing-coverts  light  cinereous ;  under  surface  of  the  tail 
light  glaucous,  ashy.    Bill  and  feet  light-colored. 

Had. — Mangsi,  Sooloo  Islands.     Spec,  in  Coll.  Exp.  Exp.  Wash- 
ington City. 


This  is  a  species  resembling  Carpopliaga  cenea,  a  well-known  bird  of 
the  large  islands  of  the  Malay  Archipelago,  and  intimately  allied  to  it 
in  general  characters.  It  differs,  however,  in  having  the  under  tail- 
coverts  light  cinereous,  instead  of  dark  chestnut ;  the  wings  and  tail 
are  longer,  and  in  size  it  appears  to  be  rather  larger.  It  is  possible, 
also,  that  it  is  the  bird  described  by  the  Prince  Bonaparte  as  Carpo- 
phaga  chalybura,  as  above  cited,  but  does  not  present  the  characters 
relied  on  by  that  distinguished  author,  and  comes  from  a  different 
group  of  islands. 

The  only  specimens  of  this  bird  that  we  have  ever  seen,  are  in  the 
collection  of  the  Expedition,  and  are  from  the  Sooloo  Islands.  We 
have  represented  the  adult  male  in  our  plate  rather  smaller  than  the 
natural  size. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  with  reference  to  this  species : 

"  This  species  was  seen  in  abundance  at  Mangsi,  one  of  the  Sooloo 
Islands.     Its  cry  is  a  single  Iioot,  repeated  at  intervals ;  and  when  our 


R  A  S  C  R  E  S. 


269 


specimens  were  collected,  in  the  month  of  January,  they  did  not  pre- 
sent any  appearance  of  a  knob  on  their  bills.  The  irides  are  red;  the 
bill  is  black,  with  a  light  blue  tip ;  the  feet  are  dirty  lake-red. 

"  We  found  this  bird  generally  amongst  the  thick  foliage  of  the 
various  species  of  Flctis,  and  other  fruit  trees." 

This  bird  is  named  in  honor  of  Charles  Pickering,  M.D.,  one  of  the 
naturalists  of  the  Exploring  Expedition,  and  now  highly  distinguished 
as  an  American  Zoologist.  In  addition  to  the  valuable  volumes  of 
the  series  of  the  Expedition  of  which  he  is  author.  Dr.  Pickering  has 
contributed  much  of  high  interest  to  our  present  work,  and  which  we 
have  transferred  from  his  manuscript  journal,  by  his  permission,  most 
cheerfully  and  promptly  given. 


8.  Genus  PTILINOPUS,  Swainson,  Zool.  Jour.  I,  p.  473  (1825). 
1.  Ptilinopus  purpuratus  {Omelin). 

Cblumba  purpurata,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  784  (1788). 
Columba  kurukuru,  Bonnaterre,  Ency.  Meth.  p.  240  (1st  ed.  1790). 
Columba  lailensia,  Less.  Zool.  Coquille,  Ois.  I,  p.  297  (1826). 
Ptilinopus  furcatus,  Pbale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  191  (Ist  ed,  1848).* 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXX.    Adult  male  and  female. 

Excellent  specimens  of  this  very  handsome  species  are  in  the  col- 

*  "  General  form  rounded ;  head,  neck,  and  breast  cinereous,  tinged  with  green ;  the 
bases  of  the  feathers  lead-color ;  the  tips  oi  those  on  the  breast  bifurcate ;  a  pale  purple 
spot  reaches  from  the  bill  to  the  vertex ;  irides  dark  orange  ;  feet  dusky  purple ;  back, 
rump,  and  wing-ooverts  bronze-green ;  wings  blue,  with  green  reflections ;  plumbeous 
beneath ;  the  first  quill  six-tenths  of  an  inch  shorter  than  the  others,  and  almost  even 
throughout  its  length,  or  regularly  narrowing  towards  the  tip ;  shafts  black  ;  secondaries 
edged  with  palo  yellow ;  belly  olive-green ;  vent  and  under  tail-coverts  sulphur-yellow ; 
tail  blue-green,  with  golden  reflections  ;  a  cinereous  spot  in  each  feather,  near  the  tip 
(in  somo  specimens,  it  forms  a  distinct  cinereous  band)  ;  under  parts  of  the  tail  plumbe> 
ous,  with  a  cinereous  terminal  baud. 

"  Total  length  nine  and  one-half  inches ;  tail  three  and  four-tenths  inches  ;  bill  four- 
tenths  of  an  inch ;.  tarsi  one  inch ;  extent  of  wings  sixteen  and  three-fourths  inches. 
Male.     Killed  in  September. 

"  The  females  vary  but  little  from  the  males ;  they  are  less  brilliant  in  plumage,  and 
have  the  same  frontal  spot,  and  the  cinereous  band  on  the  tail."     (Peale,  as  above.) 

68 


W;%\ 


270 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


lection  of  the  Expedition,  and  were  obtained  in  the  Island  of  Tahiti. 
The  difference  between  the  sexes  consists  in  the  rather  smaller  size 
and  less  vivid  colors  of  the  female,  though  their  general  appearance  is 
very  similar. 

Mr.  Pealo  observes  of  this  bird  : 

"  The  voice  of  this  species  is  a  simple  coocoo-coo,  uttered  slowly,  at 
regular  intervals,  and  is  much  softer  than  that  of  the  Coral  Island 
Dove.  It  is  not  so  sprightly  in  its  movements,  and  the  forked  tail 
immediately  distinguishes  it  from  all  others.  It  delights  in  sitting  on 
some  dead  branch,  in  the  shady  recesses  of  the  woods,  most  commonly 
one  overhanging  a  path  in  moist  ground." 

This  is  the  species  properly  entitled  to  the  name  Cdlnmba  jnirjni- 
rata.  It  was  first  described  by  Latham,  in  Synopsis  of  Birds,  II,  pt. 
11,  p.  G26,  "  from  a  specimen  from  Otaheite."  Gmelin  merely  gave 
the  scientific  appellation,  as  above,  on  the  faith  of  Latham's  descrip- 
tion ;  and,  it  is  a  matter  of  no  consequence  what  errors  may  have 
been  made  subsequently  by  authors,  or  however  inconvenient  those 
may  have  been  found  by  their  successors,  this  name  ought  to  stand 
good  for  this  species  and  no  other.  The  investigation  of  tlie  group  of 
Pigeons  of  this  genus  is  undoubtedly  sufficiently  difficult  on  account 
of  the  resemblance  of  the  species  to  each  other,  but  naturalists  have 
much  increased  it  by  hastily  adopting  names  or  applying  new  ones. 
To  such  extent,  in  fact,  have  these  been  practised  in  this  group,  that 
we  have  been  almost  inclined  to  despair  of  any  approximation  to 
success  in  an  attempt  to  unravel  the  intricacies  of  the  nomenclature 
of  the  few  species  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition.  We  feel  rather 
well  assured,  however,  that  no  author  that  we  have  yet  met  with  has 
accomplished  anything  very  considerable  towards  bringing  together 
the  synonyms,  or  in  establishing  the  correct  names  in  this  group,  and 
are  by  no  means  certain  that  the  matter  is  improved  at  all  by  the 
Prince  Bonaparte,  in  his  late  Monograph  in  Conspectus  Avium. 

The  original  description  of  this  bird  is  by  Latham,  as  stated  above, 
in  General  Synopsis  of  Birds,  II,  p.  626,  in  which  he  states  explicitly, 
"  this  was  described  from  a  specimen  from  Otaheite."  It  is  true  that 
this  author  falls  into  error  immediately  when  he  says  :  "  but  I  find  of 
these  birds  great  varieties,  according  to  the  diflerent  islands  from 
which  they  are  brought,  for  they  inhabit  the  whole  of  the  Pacific 
Ocean  within  the  tropics,"  but  his  description  applies  exactly  to  the 


R  A  S  0  U  E  S. 


271 


present  species.  Oinolin's  description  also  applies  sufficiently  well  to 
this  bird,  and  his  mingling  or  confounding  several  species  together,  as 
varieties,  does  not,  in  the  smallest  degree,  invalidate  the  application 
of  his  name  to  the  species  clearly  indicated  by  Latham. 


2.    PxiLINOrUS  FASCIATUS,   Pbale. 

Ptllinopus  fascHilHt,  Pbalk,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Vinoennes,  Birds,  p.  193  (first 
edition,  UiS)* 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plato  XXXl.     Adult  male  and  female. 
Knip  &  Provost's  Pigeons,  II,  Plato  XXXIV. 

This  bird,  long  known  to  naturaliatH,  has  been  erroneously  regarded 
as  Columha  pnrpurahiy  Cunelin.  It  is  figured  in  Knip  and  Prevost's 
Pigeons,  II,  PI.  XXXIV,  and  is  carefully  and  accurately  described  by 
them,  and  by  Temminek,  in  Hist.  Nat.  des  Pigeons  et  des  Gallinaces, 
I,  p.  280  (1813).  With  Temminek  the  error  originated,  the  name, 
Columha  purjmraht,  having  boon  first  applied  by  him  to  this  species 
in  his  work,  to  which  wo  have  roferrod,  but  which  is  properly  appli- 
cable to  the  bird  known  aa  hUhtopm  (aiiensis,  as  can  readily  be  ascer- 
tained on  examination  of  the  original  description  by  Latham,  in  Synop- 
sisof  Birds,  II,  pt.  II,  p.  020.  Gmolin,  apparently,  merely  gave  the  name 
parpurata  on  the  faith  of  Latham'.s  description,  as  stated  in  the  preced- 
ing article. 

Notwithstanding  that  l)oth  the  present  species  and  Plilinopus  tai- 

*  "  General  form  rounded ;  n  rich  purple  spot  reaching  from  the  crown  to  the  bill, 
slightly  margined  with  yoUow ;  head,  nook,  and  breast  cinereous  (in  young  birds  pale 
green),  with  a  purple  bar,  fading  into  the  yellow  of  the  vent  feathers,  which  are  black 
at  the  base,  and  whito  uonr  tho  tips.  Rack  and  rump  bronze-green ;  wings  and  tail 
above  clear  golden-grcon ;  tho  scapulars  and  secondaries  slightly  edged  with  yellow ; 
under  parts  of  tho  wings  and  tail  plumbeous ;  quill-shafts  black ;  the  web  of  the  first 
primary  very  narrow  at  tho  tip ;  tail  rounded ;  feathers  blue-green,  with  golden  reflec- 
tions on  the  outer  wob,  black  on  tho  inner,  and  tipped  with  yellow  above,  yellowish- 
white  beneath ;  shafts  black  ;  lojjs  covered  with  olive-green  feathers ;  feet  dirty-lake ; 
bill  cmerald-greon ;  iridos  yoUow. 

"  Tclal  length  nino  and  ono-fourth  inches ;  extent  of  wings  sixteen  and  one-fourth 
incb:^9;  winps,  from  tho  carpal  joint,  five  and  four-tenths  inches;  tail  three  and  one- 
tentl  inel':>;  tarsi  nino-tanths  of  an  incli ;  bill  one-half  an  inch;  to  the  angle  of  the 
moutL  nluet'ion-twontiuths  of  au  iuuh.     Male."     (Peale,  as  above.) 


mm 


J!*'-'*' 


\ 


« 


\'^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


l&ilM    |25 


IL25  iU 


Ii4 


Sciences 
Corporation 


¥l 


\ 


v 


V 


<> 


<(^ 


6^ 


33  WEST  MAIN  STRUT 

♦(VSP'TMA.Y.  U5M 

(y)>)t72-4S03 


i 


f 


■pp^p^i 


272 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


tends  have  been  known  to  naturalists  since  the  time  of  Latham  and 
Gmelin,  it  doea  rot  appear  that  any  name  has  been  given  to  the 
former  until  described  as  a  new  discovery  by  Mr.  Peale.  as  above 
cited. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  from  the  Samoan 
Islands.  Our  plate  represents  both  sexes  of  this  species  of  the  size  of 
life. 

In  allusion  to  the  present  and  other  species  of  Doves  which  inhabit 
the  Samoan  Islands,  Mr.  Peale  observes  in  his  article  on  this  bird : 

"  The  females  vary  but  little  from  the  males,  being  generally 
smaller,  and  not  quite  so  brilliant  in  color.  The  young  birds  are 
entirely  green  until  the  fii-st  moult. 

"  The  natives  of  the  Samoan  or  Navigator's  Group  enumerate  three 
Doves  of  this  genus,  inhabiting  their  islands;  the  most  common  is  the 
Manvrtagi  or  Manu-tangi,  \vhicb,  in  English,  means  crying-bird,  and 
is  described  above ;  the  next,  called  Manu-rua,  is  about  the  same  size, 
but  entirely  green.  Having  had  the  misfortune  to  lose  our  specimens 
by  the  wreck  of  the  U.  S.  Ship  Peacock,  we  are  unable  to  give  a  draw- 
ing or  further  description  of  it.  The  third  species  is  called  Manu-ma, 
or  shame-bird,  and  is  the  one  we  have  called  La  Perouse's  Dove. 

"  The  Manii-rua  is  not  uncommon  at  the  Island  of  Upolu." 

According  to  Mr.  Peale,  the  Mantt-tagi  (which  is  the  bird  now  before 
us),  is  so  called  by  the  Samoans  ''  from  its  plaintive  and  distressiul 
note." 

As  stated  above,  this  bird  is  well  known  to  naturalists.  It  has  had 
undoubtedly  other  names  given  to  it  since  the  publication  of  Mr. 
Peale's  description,  above  cited,  and  possibly  before,  but  we  cannot 
pretend,  at  present,  to  ascertain  the  synonymy  of  this  species.  Such 
an  investigation  would  involve  the  examination  of,  and,  in  fact,  a 
complete  study  of  this  entire  group,  many  of  the  species  of  which 
intimately  resemble  each  other,  and  have  been  constantly  mistaken 
by  authors.  Our  plate  has  been  carefully  prepared,  and  fairly  repre- 
sents both  sexes  of  this  species. 


3.  Ptilinopus  cokalensis,  Peale, 


Plillnopu*  coralennt,  Feale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  190  (first  edition, 
1848). 


R  A  S  0  B  E  S. 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXXII.    Adult  ? 


273 


Capitis  fertile  macula  magna  purpurea,  flavo  marginata.  Chrpore 
supra  aiiruto-viridi,  capite,  coUo  et  pectore  viridescenti  cinereis,  ahd<h 
mine  virHeacenti  flavo.     Long.  tot.  8  J  pollicee. 

Form. — Strictly  congeneric  with  Ptilinopua  purpuratm,  P.  Swainsonii, 
and  others  of  this  group,  and  about  the  size  of  the  former.  Bill 
moderate  or  rather  short ;  wing  with  the  fourth  and  fifth  quills 
longest  and  nearly  equal ;  tail  rather  long ;  legs  moderate ;  tarsus 
covered,  for  a  short  distance  below  the  joint  with  the  tibia ;  toes 
long,  padded,  and  flattened  on  their  under  surfaces.  Feathers  of 
the  neck  before  and  breast  deeply  emarginated. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  eight  and  a  half  inches;  wing 
five  and  a  half  inches ;  tail  three  and  three-fourths  of  an  inch.  "  Total 
length  (of  recent  bird),  nine  and  a  half  inches;  extent  of  wings  seven- 
teen inches.     Male."     (Peale.) 

Colors. — Head  above  with  a  large  purple  spot,  faintly  edged  behind 
with  yellow.  Head,  neck,  and  breast  pale  greenish-cinereous.  Abdo- 
men greenish-yellow,  tinged  with  cinereous.  Ventral  region  and  infe- 
rior coverts  of  the  tail  pale  yellow.  Back,  rump,  wings,  and  tail  above 
green,  with  golden  and  coppery  lustre.  Primaries  edged  with  very 
pale  yellowish-white ;  secondaries  with  pale  yellow  on  their  outer 
webs.  Tail-feathers  dark  cinereous  on  their  inner  webs.  Tail  widely 
tipped  with  very  pale  ashy-white,  faintly  tinged  with  yellow ;  tail 
beneath  pale  ashy-white,  and  showing  a  subterminal  band  of  brown. 
"  Irides  red ;  legs  red ;  bill  yellow."     (Peale.) 

Had. — Paumotu  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

It  is  not  without  misgivings  that  we  admit  the  present  bird  as  a 
distinct  species,  on  account  of  the  apparent  immaturity  of  its  plumage, 
and  its  resemblance  to  several  other  birds  of  this  genus.  Several  speci- 
mens, however,  present  entirely  uniform  characters ;  and,  in  view  of 
what  to  us  appears  to  be  the  fact,  that  the  islands  in  the  Pacific  do, 
in  some  instances,  present  species  distinct  from,  but  much  resembling 
each  other,  we  have  occasionally  felt  ourselves  constrained  to  recog- 


274 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


nize  specific  characters  which,  in  the  course  of  general  or  usual  zoolo- 
gical investigations,  would  not  be  regarded  as  unexceptionable. 

The  present  bird  is  nearly  allied  to  Ptilinopus  purpuratua  (Gm.), 
which  is  P.  taitensia  (Less.).  The  color  of  the  head,  neck,  and  breast, 
the  general  colors  of  the  upper  parts,  and  the  wide  terminal  band  of 
the  tail,  are  almost  precisely  the  same,  but  the  bill  of  this  bird  is  pure 
yellow,  and  its  abdomen  is  of  the  same  color.  We  cannot  but  regard  ns 
quite  possible,  however,  that  it  is  the  young  of  either  that  or  another 
allied  species.  This  bird  belongs  strictly  to  the  same  group  as  the 
two  preceding,  and  is  regarded  by  the  Prince  Bonaparte,  in  his  Mono- 
graph, as  a  distinct  genus,  under  the  not  very  euphonious  nor  classic 
name,  Kurutreron. 

Mr.  Peale's  note  on  this  species  is  as  follows  : 

"  This  beautiful  Dove  was  the  first  bird  which  attracted  our  atten- 
tion at  the  Island  of  Carlshofi*,  by  its  plaintive  hoot-hoot-hoot,  uttered 
in  rapid  succession.  The  woodland  being  of  very  limited  extent,  we 
thought  it  would  be  an  easy  matter  to  find  it,  but  were  mistaken,  for 
although  the  Doves  were  not  wild,  their  curiosity  induced  them  to  sit 
still  on  being  approached,  and  their  delicate  plumage  accorded  so  well 
with  the  beautiful  green  of  the  foliage,  that  it  was  very  difficult  to  see 
them. 

"  Specimens  were  subsequently  obtained,  during  the  month  of  Sep- 
tember, on  most  of  the  low  coral  islets  of  the  Paumotu  Group,  but  no- 
where else ;  most  of  them  were  males.  Their  retreats  were  always  in 
the  most  wooded  and  secluded  places." 

This  bird  is  represented  in  our  plate  of  the  natural  size. 


4.  Ptilinopus  Perousii,  Peale. 

Ptilinopm  Perounl,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  195  (1st  ed.  1848). 
Plilinopm  Marur,  Jacq.  &  PucH.  Zool.  Voy.  Astrol.  aud  Zelee,  III,  p.  115  (1853). 
Voy.  Astrolabe  and  Zolee,  Oia.  PI.  XXIX,  fig.  2. 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXXIII.     Male,  female,  and  young. 


Ciipite  supra  et  vitta  dorsali  sangnineis.  Corpore  supra  viridescenti- 
Jia  vo,  auhtus  fla  vescenti-alba,  fascia  pallide  aurantiaca  2^ctorali.  Lmuj. 
tot.  Ih  2X}llice8,  ,  ,         ,   , 


R  A  S  0  R  E  S. 


275 


Form. — Small.  Bill  short,  weak  ;  wings  rather  long ;  tail  moderate, 
of  fourteen  feathers ;  tarsi  robust,  feathered  below  the  joint  with 
the  tibia ;  toes  rather  long ;  feathers,  on  the  breast,  deeply  emargi- 
nate.  Large  spot  on  the  head  in  front,  and  broad  transverse  band 
across  the  back,  crimson;  head  behind,  neck,  and  under  parts,  white, 
tinged  with  yellow,  deepest  on  the  abdomen.  Feathers  of  the  breast 
with  partially  concealed  transverse  bands  of  pale  pink  or  lake-red ; 
lower  part  of  the  breast  with  a  wide  belt  of  pale  orange ;  under  tail- 
coverts  crimson.  Back  (from  the  band  of  crimson),  rump,  and  upper 
tail-coverts,  greenish-yellow;  wing-coverts  pale  cinereous, edged  with 
greenish-yellow ;  quills  brownish-black,  with  their  outer  webs  green, 
with  metallic  lustre ;  some  of  the  tertiaries  have  their  exposed  ends 
tipped,  on  both  webs,  with  the  same  metallic  green ;  under  wing- 
cov .  s  ashy-white.  Tail  pale  cinereous,  tipped  narrowly  with  pale 
yellow.  ''  Bill  dark  green ;  legs  pale  blue ;  irides  red,  with  an 
orange-colored  ring  around  the  pupil."     (Peale.) 

Dimensions. — Total  length,  male  (of  skin),  seven  and  a  half  inches ; 
wing  five  and  one-fourth  nches ;  tail  three  inches. 

Hab. — Upolu,  Samoan  Islands,   and  Mathuata,  Feejee    Islands. 
Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington.  t 


Several  specimens  of  this  beautiful  and  singularly  marked  species 
are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition.  It  is  the  species  named 
"  Ptilinope  de  Marie,"  by  Messrs.  Hombron  and  Jacquinot,  on  the 
plate  in  the  Zoological  Atlas  to  the  Voyage  of  the  Astrolabe  and 
Zelee,  Birds,  PI.  XXIX,  fig.  2,  and  since  named  Ptilinopua  Marioe,  in 
the  volume  of  the  zoology  containing  Birds  of  the  same  voyage  (Paris, 
1853).  Mr.  Peale's  name,  as  given  above,  has,  however,  undoubted 
priority. 

This  bird  was  observed  to  inhabit  mountain  gorges,  in  the  Feejee 
Islands,  but  was  not  abundant.  It  was  also  seen  in  Upolu,  one  of 
the  Samoan  Islands. 

Mr.  Peale,  in  allusion  to  the  present  species,  and  to  the  plate  pre- 
pared from  his  drawing,  which  will  be  found  in  the  Atlas  accompany- 
ing this  volume,  gives  the  following  : 

"  The  specimen  was  a  male,  in  adult  plumage  (PI.  XXXIII,  fig.  1), 
and  was  obtained  at  the  Island  of  Upolu.    Fig.  2  differs  but  little  from 


%\ 


276 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


the  last ;  the  wing-coverts  are  more  ashy,  and  not  so  brown ;  the  light 
color  of  the  neck  and  lower  parts  is  more  pure,  and  the  orange  spot  is 
not  so  much  diffused  on  the  breast;  besides  which,  the  tertiary  feathers 
are  bronze-green,  with  yellow  margins,  and  not  ash-colored,  with  a 
bronze  spot ;  otherwise,  these  two  were  alike  in  sex,  measurement, 
color  of  the  bill,  feet,  irides,  &c.  It  was  obtained  at  the  village  of 
Mathuata,  in  the  Feejee  Islands,  where  we  observed  that  they  inha- 
bited the  mountain  gorges,  and  were  not  abundant.  Fig.  3  was  obtained 
with  the  last;  it  is  a  trifle  less,  and  it  is  believed  to  be  a  younger  bird, 
showing  that  in  their  first  plumage,  they  are  entirely  green;  the 
feathers  margined  with  yellow.     It  also  was  a  male. 

''  La  Perouse,  in  the  journal  of  his  melancholy  voyage,  notices  beau- 
tiful Doves,  of  various  colors,  when  at  the  Navigator's  Islands,  in  the 
same  harbor  where  our  first  specimens  were  obtained,  probably  alluding 
to  this  very  species  to  which  we  apply  his  name.  The  native  name, 
Manu-ma,  means  shame,  or  modest  bird." 

This  is  one  of  the  most  delicately  colored  and  gracefully  formed  of 
the  entire  family  of  Pigeons,  and  is  rather  an  unusual  instance  of  the 
same  species  being  found  to  inhabit  different  groups  of  islands.  It  is, 
perhaps,  the  most  beautiful  bird  discovered  in  the  course  of  the  voyage 
of  the  Expedition,  and  is  a  highly  interesting  addition  to  the  ornitho- 
logical fauna  of  the  Pacific  Islands,  in  which  the  birds  of  this  family 
hold  a  conspicuous  position. 

The  figures  in  our  plate  of  this  bird  are  of  the  natural  size. 


4.  Oenvh  CALJENAS,  G.  R.  Gray,  List  of  the  Genera  of  Birds,  p.  59  (1840). 
1.  Galenas  nicobarica  {Linn.). 

Columha  nicobarica,  Lik:'  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  283  (1706). 
Columba  gallut,  Waoleu,  Syst.  Av.  p.  (not  paged,  1827). 

Edward's  Birds,  VII,  Plate  CCCXXXIX ;  Buff  PI.  Enl.  491;  Knip 
&  Prevost,  Pigeons,  I,  pt.  II,  Plate  II. 

Of  this,  the  most  splendid  of  the  Pigeons,  and  scarcely  excelled  in 
any  other  family  of  birds,  several  fine  specimens  are  in  the  collection 
of  the  Expedition.  They  are  all  from  the  Philippine  Islands,  and 
present  no  characters  other  than  have  been  given  by  authors. 


R  A  S  0  R  E  S. 


277 


Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  This  fine  bird  was  seen  at  the  Philippine  Islands,  but  subsequently 
found  in  greater  abundance  at  the  Island  of  Mangsi,  in  the  Straits  of 
Balabac,  during  the  month  of  February.  We  had  previously  seen 
them  living  in  confinement,  and,  as  the  generic  name  {Geophilua), 
implies,  observed  that  they  preferred  being  on  the  ground,  and  seldom 
perched  on  trees  or  the  roosts  of  an  aviary.  It  was,  therefore,  a 
matter  of  surprise,  at  Mangsi,  to  find  them  decidedly  arboreal :  not 
a  single  specimen  was  seen  on  the  ground,  although  the  island  was 
diligently  hunted  with  that  expectation.  They  were  found  on  lofty 
Ficus  and  other  fruit-trees  of  great  magnitude,  feeding  with  the  Nutmeg 
Pigeons  {GarpopJiaga  asnea),  but  generally  at  a  less  elevation.  Their 
call  is  a  clear,  deep-toned  ooo,  in  a  voice  very  like  some  of  the  owls. 

"  Irides  red ;  legs  purple  lake-red ;  under  parts  of  the  toes  and  nails 
yellow." 

Some  of  the  most  beautiful  and  apparently  fully  mature  specimens 
of  this  bird  that  have  ever  come  under  our  notice,  are  in  the  collec- 
tion of  the  Expedition.  They  are  in  excellent  preservation,  and  are 
conspicuous  objects  even  in  the  magnificent  collection  of  this  family 
which  graces  the  National  Museum. 


5.  aENtJS  PERISTERA,  Sicaimon,  Zool.  Jour.  Ill,  p.  360  (18?  ). 


1.  Peristeba  erythkoptera  (Omelin). 


The  Garnet-winged  Pigeon. 


Columba  erytliroplera,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  775  (1788). 

Columba  leucophrys,  FoRST.  Desc.  An.  p.  168  (1844). 

Columba  pampusan,  QuoY  et  Gaim.  Voy.  Uranie,  Zool.  p.  121  (1824). 

Ferislera  pectoralis,  Peale,  Voy.  Yinoennes  and  Peacock,  Birds,  p.  205  (1848).* 

Temra.  &  Knip,  Pig.  PI  ate  LV ;  Voy.  Uranie,  Birds,  Plate  XXX. 

*  "  Body  robust ;  head,  ne.!k,  and  breast  fulvous,  palest  on  the  forehead ;  nape  dark 
purple ;  scapulars  dark  olive-green,  having  a  golden  iridescence ;  vings,  body,  and  tail, 
sepia-brown,  inclining  to  dark  gray  on  the  upper  surfaces  of  the  tail-feathers  and  quills ; 
quill-feathers  arcuate,  the  third  one  longest ;  shafts  brown ;  tail  rounded,  consisting  of 
twelve  feathers,  and  extending  one  inch  beyond  the  closed  wings ;  claws  short,  nearly 
straight,  and  black  ;  irides  reddish-brown ;  feet  and  legs  large,  and  of  a  reddish-brown  ; 
bill  black. 

"  Total  length  eight  and  one-half  inches ;  tail  four  and  one-half  inches ;  extent  across 
the  v/ings,  fifteen  and  one-half  inches ;  bill  eleven-twentieths  of  an  inch.    Female." 

70 


278 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Both  the  bird  described  by  Quoy  and  Gaimard,  as  above,  of  which 
specimens  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  and  that 
described  by  Mr.  Peale,  of  which  specimens  are  in  the  present  collec- 
tion, are  the  young  of  Columha  erythroptera,  Gmelin.  This  species  is 
probably  diffused  over  several  groups  of  islands  in  the  Pacific,  or  mi- 
grates seasonally. 

Mr.  Peale  mentions  it  as  follows : 

"  Of  this  plump  partridge-like  Dove,  but  little  can  be  said  at  present; 
we  never  saw  but  two  specimens,  which  were  found  at  Carlshoff,  one 
of  the  coral  islands  of  the  Paumotu  Archipelago.  The  whole  island 
on  which  they  were  killed  contains  but  a  few  acres  of  forest-land, 
under  the  trees  of  which  were  dense  and  tall  bushes,  from  amongst 
which  they  flushed  like  Partridges,  their  wings  producing  much  the 
same  whirring  sound.  Not  having  a  dog  to  rouse  them,  we  were 
unable  to  find  any  more. 

"  This  may  possibly-  prove  to  be  identical  with  Latham's  Garnet- 
winged  Pigeon  {Columha  erythroptem),  said  to  have  been  found  at  the 
Island  of  Eimeo,  by  Captain  Cook,  but  the  difference  of  plumage  as 
well  as  locality,  constrains  us  to  offer  it  as  new." 


G.  Genus  ECTOPISTES,  Sioainson,  Zool.  Jour.  Ill,  p.  362  (1827). 
1.  ECTOPISTES  CAROLINENSIS  (Linn.). 

Columha  carolinenn't,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  286  (1766). 
Columba  marginata,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  286  (1766)  t 

Catesby,  Carolina,  I,  Plate  XXIV;  Wils.  Am.  Orn.  V,  Plate 
XLIII,  fig.  1 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  XVII ;  Oct.  ed.  V,  Plate 
CCLXXXVI. 


Specimens  in  the  collection  from  Oregon  present  no  characters  dif- 
ferent from  those  of  the  common  bird  of  the  States  on  the  Atlantic. 
The  range  of  this  species  is,  therefore,  throughout  the  entire  extent  of 
the  temperate  regions  of  North  America. 

The  smaller  species,  discovered  by  Dr.  Woodhouse,  on  the  River 
Zuni,  appears  to  be  a  more  southern  bird.  It  is  Ectopistea  marginella, 
Woodhouse,  and  is  quiUi  distinct  from  the  present  bird,  though  much 
resembling  it  in  all  general  characters,  except  size. 


R  A  S  0  R  E  S. 


279 


These  two  species  have  been  regarded  by  the  Prince  Bonaparte,  in 
his  Monograph  of  the  ColumbidcB,  recently  published  (Conspectus 
Avium,  11,  p.  84,  Leyden,  1857),  as  forming  a  genus,  to  which  he 
applies  the  name,  Zenaidura.  They  are  scarcely  entitled  to  be 
classed  so  high,  nor  so  distinct,  being,  very  probably,  subgeneric  only, 
or  a  minor  division  of  the  genus  Ectopistea.  We  find  nothing  recorded 
by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  in  relation  to  the  occurrence  of 
this  bird  in  Oregon,  but  the  present  specimens  are  highly  interesting, 
as  demonstrating  its  very  extensive  range  of  locality. 


7.  Genus  CHAMAEPELTA,  Swaimmi,  Zool.  Jour.  Ill,  p.  361  (1827). 

1.  Chamaepelia  amazilia,  Bonaparte, 

Chamaepelia  amazilia,  BoNAF.  Consp.  Av.  II,  p.  78  (1854). 
"  Chamaepelia  miniila,  Linn."     Pealg,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  207  (Ist  ed. 
1848). 

According  to  Mr.  Peale : 

"Common  in  the  vicinity  of  Callao,  Peru,  in  the  month  of  July. 
It  has  all  the  habits  of  the  Ground  Dove  {G.pas8erina),oi  the  Southern 
United  States,  spending  the  most  of  its  time  on  the  ground,  but  fre> 
quently  alighting  on  bushes." 

Like  numerous  other  birds  of  the  family  of  Pigeons  and  Doves,  that 
described  by  Linnaeus  as  Columba  mhuda,  has  been  mistaken  by 
authors,  and  confused  with  other  species.  The  present  bird,  as  stated 
by  Mr.  Peale,  is  of  common  occurrence  on  the  western  coast  of  South 
America,  and  is  not  rare  in  collections.  It  is  undoubtedly  the  species 
designated  by  the  Prince  Bonaparte  as  above  cited,  though  intimately 
related  to  others  inhabiting  various  countries  of  South  America. 


8.  Genus  PLEIODUS,  Reichenhach,  loon.  Av.  Syn.  (1847). 

1.  Pleiodus  stbigirostris  (Jardine).    Reich.  Neue.  Vog.  New 

Holl.  II,  p.  168. 

Gnathodon  strigiroitris,  Jardinb,  Ann.  and  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.  XVI,  p.  174  (1845). 
Didunculut  tlrigiroslrit,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  209  (Ist  ed.  1848). 


iA 


280 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXXIV.    Adult  male. 
Gray,  Gen.  of  Birds,  II,  Plate  OXX;  Reich.  Vollst.  Naturg.  Colum- 
bidro,  Plate  CLXXVI,  fig.  1528. 

Beichenbach,  in  "  Die  Neuendeckten  Vogel  Neu-hollands,"  II,  p. 
158,  claims  to  have  founded  his  genus  Pleiodtis,  on  this  very  remark- 
able bird,  in  the  Synopsis  to  his  Icones  Avium,  in  1847.  The  latter, 
in  which  he  gives  a  figure,  well  representing  this  bird,  rather  unfortu- 
nately bears  no  date,  but  as  this  distinguished  author  distinctly  avows 
his  claim  and  affirms  the  fact  of  prior  publication,  we  see  no  reason 
that  his  veracity  should  be  impeached,  or  that  his  name  should  not  be 
adopted.  The  generic  name,  Oimthodon,  proposed  by  Jardine,  as  above 
cited,  was  previously  employed  in  another  department  of  Natural  His- 
tory, and  Peale's  name,  Didunculus,  was  published  in  the  first  edition 
of  the  present  volume,  in  1848.   We  have,  therefore,  adopted  Pleiodua. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  remarkable  birds,  the  existence  of  which 
have  been  made  known  in  the  present  century,  and  although  it  cannot 
properly  be  regarded  as  a  discovery  made  by  the  Expedition,  in  the 
Vincennes  and  Peacock,  yet,  its  proper  locality  was  determined,  and 
Mr.  Peale  has  given  some  interesting  particulars  in  relation  to  it, 
which  will  be  inserted  in  our  present  article.  It  was  first  described 
by  Sir  Will  ardine,  as  above  cited,  in  1845,  from  a  collection 

purchased  in  tk.  .^ity  of  Edinburgh,  and  containing  mainly  Australian 
species,  which  circumstance  induced  its  describer  to  regard  it  as  pro- 
bably a  bird  of  that  island.  It  is  also  given  by  Mr.  Gould,  in  his  great 
work  on  the  birds  of  Australia,  above  cited. 

This  bird  is  especially  interesting  on  account  of  its  affinity  to  several 
extinct  species,  such  as  the  Dodo  and  others,  now  to  be  regarded  as 
having,  very  probably,  belonged  to  the  family  of  Pigeons.  At  the 
time  of  its  first  having  been  brought  to  the  attention  of  naturalists,  it 
was  the  only  species  of  its  family  showing  such  relationship,  which 
must  now,  however,  very  probably,  be  shared  with  the  curious  species 
from  the  Marquesas  Islands,  described  by  the  Prince  Bonaparte,  in  the 
Revue  et  Magasin  de  Zoologie,  1856,  p.  401,  PI.  XVIII,  and  named  by 
him  Serrisius  galeatus. 

Of  this  extraordinary  bird,  two  specimens  are  in  the  collection  of 
the  Expedition,  both  of  which  are  in  sufficiently  good  preservation  to 
fairly  represent  the  species. 

Mr.  Peale's  observations  are  as  follows : 


R  A  S  0  R  E  S. 


281 


"  This  bird  formerly  abounded  in  the  Island  of  Upolu,  one  of  the 
Samoan  Islands,  but  now  it  is  considered  a  rare  species  by  the  natives, 
and  one  which  will  be  entirely  destroyed  in  the  course  of  a  few  years, 
if  the  same  causes  exist  which  are  now  operating  to  their  destruction. 
They  build  their  nests  and  pass  most  of  the  time  on  the  ground,  and 
flush  like  Partridges  or  Grouse,  with  a  whirring  sound,  produced  by  their 
wings.  Their  food  is  mostly  fruit,  including  a  species  of  fig,  growing  in 
the  mountainous  regions  which  they  inhabit.  The  tree  called  oica  by 
the  natives  {Ficue  prolixa?  of  botanists),  producing  the  fig,  is  repre- 
sented in  our  plate  with  the  bird ;  it  forms  a  remarkable  feature  in 
the  Samoan  scenery,  its  broad  and  ample  branches  spreading  like 
umbrellas  above  all  the  other  forest  trees,  many  of  which  are  gigantic, 
although  covered,  in  a  measure,  by  these  enormous  canopies.  The 
trunks  of  the  owa  trees  are  little  forests  in  themselves ;  that  from 
which  our  sketch  was  made  measured  one  hundred  and  two  feet  in 
diameter,  and  about  the  same  from  the  ground  to  the  main  branches. 

"  The  natives  of  the  Samoan  Islands,  who  spend  much  of  their  time 
indolently,  are  fond  of  pets,  which  are  mostly  Pigeons  or  Doves,  their 
islands  not  affording  suitable  quadrupeds.  A.  few  years  since  a  passion 
arose  for  cats,  and  they  were  obtained  by  all  possible  means  from  the 
whale  ships  visiting  the  islands,  were  much  esteemed  for  a  while,  until 
the  other  pets  were  devoured  by  them ;  after  which,  PusHy  (a  name 
generally  adopted  by  the  Polynesians  for  cats),  not  liking  yams  and 
taro,  the  principal  food  of  the  islanders,  preferred  Manu-mea,  and  took 
to  the  mountains  in  pursuit  of  them.  There  the  cats  have  multiplied, 
and  become  wild,  and  live  upon  our  Didunculm,  or  little  Dodo,  the 
Manu-mea  of  the  natives,  which,  it  is  believed,  will,  in  a  very  few 
years,  cease  to  be  known,  excepting  by  the  miserable  fragments  now 
deposited  in  the  National  Museum,  in  the  City  of  Washington,  unless 
some  more  lucky  collectors  get  them  better  than  we  did.  They  are, 
however,  more  perfect  than  the  remains  of  the  great  Dodo  {Didua 
inept^is,  of  Linnaeus),  which  are  preserved  in  the  Ashmolean  and 
British  Museums.  We  were  enabled  by  great  labor  to  obtain  three 
specimens,  one  of  which  was  lost  by  the  wreck  of  our  ship,  the  other 
two,  deposited  as  stated,  are  male  and  female,  but  badly  preserved. 

"At  Tahiti,  the  Garnet-winged  Pigeon  {Columha  erythroptera,  of 
Latham),  waa  said  to  abound ;  they  have,  in  like  manner,  been  de- 
stroyed by  cats  introduced  by  early  navigators,  and  since  become 
wild,  though  retaining  their  varied  colors  like  those  domesticated. 

71 


Til 

li 
I 


282 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


The  Pigeons  or  Doves  are  now  almost  unknown,  and  the  cats  are 
driven  to  the  necessity  of  feeding  on  lizards." 

This  bird  seems  to  have  escaped  the  attention  of  voyagers,  and  its 
habits  or  history  is  yet  but  imperfectly  known.  In  a  communication 
by  J.  H.  Gurney,  Esq.,  of  London,  published  in  the  Proceedings  of  the 
Zoological  Society  of  London,  for  May,  1852,  there  are  some  valuable 
and  interesting  particulars,  derived  by  that  eminent  patron  of  zoologi- 
cal science  from  Lieut,  the  Hon.  F.  Walpole,  of  the  Royal  Navy. 

According  to  Lieut.  Walpole,  this  bird  is  usually  found  in  pairs  or 
small  flocks,  the  largest  of  which,  seen  by  him,  contained  nine  speci- 
mens, and  is  not  strictly  terrestrial  in  its  habits,  but  was  constantly 
seen  perching  on  trees  or  flying.  Its  flight  is  limited  "  to  a  transit 
from  wood  to  wood,"  and,  "  though  inferior  to  that  of  most  Pigeons,  is 
of  the  same  swooping  and  continuous  character." 

The  food  of  specimens  examined  was  found  to  consist  of  the  berries 
of  a  species  of  ash,  which  abounded  in  the  localities  frequented  by  this 
bird,  though  it  is  intimated  that  it  also,  very  probably,  obtains  roots 
or  other  food  by  scratching.  In  the  breeding  season,  it  is  stated,  it 
retires  to  the  interior  of  the  islands,  "where  it  nests  amongst  the 
rocks."  Though  this  gentleman  did  not  observe  the  nest  nor  the 
eggs,  he  states  that  "  the  young  are  naked  and  helpless."  The  male 
is  larger  than  the  female,  and  uoes  not  attain  to  full  plumage  until 
the  second  year.  This  bird,  according  to  Lieut.  Walpole,  is  tamed  by 
the  Samoan  Islanders  in  the  same  manner  as  other  species  of  Pigeons. 

The  figure  in  our  plate  is  rather  smaller  than  the  natural  size. 


HEAD     OF    PLEI0DD8    STRI0IR08TRIS. 


R  A  S  0  R  E  S. 


283 


2.  Family  TETRAONIDJE.— The  Grouse,  Partridges,  and  Quails. 
1.  Gknub  TETRAO,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  2'3  (1706). 

1.  Tetrao  umbellus,  Linnaeus. — The  Ruffed  Grouse.     The 
American  Pheasant. 

Tetrao  umbellui,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  275  (1766). 

Tetrao  logatun,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  275  (1766). 

Tetrao  umbelloidei,  DouaiiAS,  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  London,  XVI,  p.  148  (1828)  ? 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  104  ;  Wils.  Am.  Orn.  VI,  Plate  aLIX  ;  Aud.  B.  of 
Am.  Plate  XLI ;  Oct.  ed.  V,  Plate  CCXCIII. 

This  species  is  mentioned  by  both  Dr.  Pickering  aud  Mr,  Peale,  as 
having  been  observed  in  Oregon,  but  unfortunately  no  specimens  are 
preserved  in  the  collection.  This  circumstance  is  the  more  to  be 
regretted,  as  an  opportunity  would  have  been  presented  of  comparing 
specimens  from  the  opposite  sides  of  the  continent.  The  species  inha- 
biting Oregon  has  been  named  umbelloides,  by  the  celebrated  traveller, 
Douglas,  and  differences,  apparently  quite  sufficient  to  establish  specific 
distinction,  have  been  pointed  out,  in  the  journal  above  cited.  The 
most  important  character  is  the  larger  size  of  the  western  bird ;  "  the 
northern  bird"  (obtained  in  Canada),  he  says,  "is  constantly  one-third 
smaller." 

Dr.  Pickering  mentions  this  bird  under  date  of  the  22d  of  May,  at 
Puget  Sound,  Oregon  : 

"  In  specimens  of  Tetrao  umhelhia,  obtained  here,  I  can  see  no  mate- 
rial difference  from  the  Ruffed  Grouse  of  the  United  States.  But  the 
bird  here  appears  to  be  much  more  arboreal  in  its  habits,  and  is  fre- 
quently to  be  observed  in  the  tops  of  trees,  which  is  very  rarely  the 
case,  I  believe,  with  the  eastern  bird.  Iris  brown ;  wings  concave, 
and  quite  short." 

Mr.  Peale  states : 

"  Observed  in  abundance  near  the  Columbia  River,  but  not  south  of 
the  Elk  Mountains,  lying  north  of  the  Umpqua  River.     It  is  subject 


284 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


to  the  same  variations  of  plumage  on  the  coast  of  the  Pacific  Ocean, 
which  have  been  observed  on  the  Atlantic  coast;  some  specimens 
have  the  rump  and  tail  gray,  while  others  have  those  paits  of  a  rich 
ferruginous'bro  wn ." 


2.  Tetrao  obscurus,  Say. — The  Blue  Grouse.    The  Dusky  Grouse. 

Tetrao  olscuruK,  Say,  Long's  Exp.  II,  p.  14  (1823). 

Tetrao  Richardsonii,  DouQ.  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  London,  XVI,  p.  141  (1828). 

Bonap.  Am.  Orn.  Ill,  Plate  XVIII ;  Rich.  &  Sw.  Faun.  Bor.  Am. 
Birds,  Plate  LIX,  LX ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCLXI ;  Oct.  ed.  V, 
Plate  CCXCV. 

This  is  strictly  a  western  species,  or,  perhaps  more  properly,  north- 
western, being  best  known  as  a  bird  of  Oregon.  Several  specimens 
are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  in  which,  however,  we  observe 
no  characters  other  than  have  been  given  by  previous  writers. 

Under  date  of  27th  of  May,  at  Puget's  Sound,  Oregon,  we  find  in 
Dr.  Pickering's  Journal,  the  following  memorandum  : 

"  The  Dusky  Grouse,  Tetrao  obscurus,  is  not  uncommon,  and  is 
mostly  seen  in  the  spruce  trees.  Loose  skin  on  the  side  of  the  neck 
in  the  male,  yellow.  The  nest  is  said  to  have  been  found  on  the 
ground,  by  the  side  of  a  small  stream,  but  I  did  not  see  the  eggs." 

Mr.  Peale  observes  : 

"  Common  in  Oregon,  wherever  coniferous  evergreens  occur,  from 
the  Rocky  Mountains  to  the  coast,  and  from  Puget's  Sound  to  the 
northern  confines  of  California,  but  in  this  regfon  is  not  so  abundant 
south  of  the  Umpqua  River." 


3.  Tetrao  phasi  •  nellus,  Linnaeus. — The  Sharp-tailed  Grouse. 

Tetrao  phaiianellw,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  273  (1766). 

Tetrao  urophatianelluiy  Doua.  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  London,  XVI,  p.  136  (1828). 

Bonap.    Am.    Orn.    Ill,   Plate    XIX ;    Aud.   B.  of   Am.   Plate 
CCCLXXXII ;  Oct.  ed.  V,  Plate  CCXCVIII. 


R  A  S  0  R  E  S. 


285 


Dr.  Pickering  notices  this  species  as  occurring  in  Oregon.  "  It 
appears  to  be  partial,"  he  says,  "  to  grassy  flats  along  the  rivers  and 
other  streams,  and  is  sometimes  started  up  in  company  with  Curlews 
and  other  waders.    In  flight,  it  makes  a  whirring  noise." 


4.  Tetrad  canadensis,  lAnnaeua. — The  Canada  Grouse. 

Tetrm  canadensis,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  274  (1766). 

Tefrao  Franklinii,  Douai..  Trans.  Linn.  Soo.  London,  XVI,  p.  139  (1828). 

Bufl^.  PI.  Enl.  131, 132 ;  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  Birds,  Plate  LXI,  LXII ; 
Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CLXXVI ;  Oct.  ed.  V,  Plate  CCXCIV. 

Dr.  Pickering  also  mentions  a  bird  under  this  name,  but  with  a 
question,  indicating  doubt  as  to  the  species.  It  inhabits,  he  states, 
spruce  trees,  in  the  more  mountainous  parts  of  Oregon. 

We  find  no  specimens  in  the  collection. 


5.  Tetrad  urophasianus,  Bonaparte. — The  Cock  of  the  Plains. 

7\etrao  urophasianus,  BoNAP.  Zool.  Jour.  Ill,  p.  213  (1828). 

Bonap.  Am.  Orn.  Ill,  Plate  XXI ;  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  Birds,  Plate 
LVIII;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCLXXI;  Oct.  ed.  V,  Plate 
CCXCVII. 

This  species,  the  largest  of  the  American  Birds  of  this  group,  is  but 
rarely  mentioned  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition.  Its  proper 
locality  is  perhaps  more  the  interior  of  the  country  than  was  visited. 

Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  The  plains  on  the  Wallawalla  River  appear  to  be  the  western 
limit  of  this  species,  and  although  over  much  country  south,  which 
seemeJ.  to  us  to  be  favorable  to  it,  we  did  not  see  a  '  Cock  of  the 
Plains'  on  our  way  into  California.  Our  specimens  were  obtained  at 
Wallawalla." 

Excellent  specimens  of  this  fine  species  are  in  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition,  in  good  preservation.    This  bird  is  now  comparatively 

72 


286 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


well  known,  and  frequently  brought  in  collections,  generally,  however, 
from  localities  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  Next  to  the  Wild  Tur- 
key, this  is  the  largest  game-bird  of  the  United  States. 


2.  Genus  CALLIPEPLA,  Wagkr,  Isii,  1832,  p.  277. 

1.  Callipepla  califobnica  {Shaw). — The  California  Partridge. 

Tetrao  caKfomicu*,  Shaw,  Nat.  Misc.  IX  (not  paged,  1798). 

Shaw,  Nat.  Misc.  JX,  Plate  CCCXLV ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCCXVIII ;  Oct.  ed.  V,  Plate  CCXC ;  Gould,  Mon.  Odont.  Plate 
XVI.  ' 

This  fine  species  is  frequently  mentioned  by  the  naturalists  of  the 
Expedition,  and  numerous  specimens  are  in  the  collection.  It  may 
now  be  said  to  be  well  known  as  a  bird  of  California,  but,  as  the 
researches  of  few  of  the  American  travellers  and  naturalists  have 
extended  to  Oregon,  this  bird  has  been  but  little  noticed  in  its 
northern  district,  and  the  notes  of  Dr.  Pickering  and  Mr.  Peale  are, 
therefore,  of  especial  value.  The  former  mentions  this  bird  as  re- 
peatedly occurring,  and  sometimes  in  large  numbers.  His  observa- 
tions are,  however,  substantially  the  same  as  those  of  Mr.  Peale, 
which  are  as  follows  : 

"  This  beautiful  species  was  first  observed  by  the  Expedition  in  the 
mountainous  regions  of  Southern  Oregon,  near  the  forty-third  degree 
of  north  latitude,  which  may  be  considered  as  about  its  furthest 
northern  range.  There  the  flocks  were  snioU,  but,  as  we  proceeded 
south,  they  continued  to  increase,  and  in  California  great  numbers  were 
seen  daily.  Several  flocks  or  coveys  unite  in  the  autumn  months, 
and  delight  in  bushy  flats,  near  the  banks  of  streams.  During  our 
march  through  the  Indian  countries,  north  of  California,  we  frequently 
observed  them  collecting  at  night  to  roost  in  trees.  At  such  times, 
their  call-note  was  plaintive,  and  had  a  slight  resemblance  to  the 
words  cutrcutrcut  me  too. 

"  This  bird  is  hardy.  A  few  specimens  were  kept  alive  by  tho 
members  of  the  Expedition,  and  brought  to  the  City  of  Washington 
by  a  route  equal  to  the  circumference  of  the  earth,  having  crossed  the 


B  A  S  0  B  E  S. 


287 


Equator  twice.  They  have  since  produced  one  brood  of  young,  but 
which  unfortunately  all  died. 

"  The  young  birds  are  mottled  with  pale  tawny  and  brown ;  the 
head  is  tawny,  with  a  dark  brown  stripe  reaching  from  the  crown 
down  the  back  of  the  neck  to  the  shoulders ;  each  of  the  wing-cqverts 
has  a  light-colored  tip,  and  a  stripe  down  the  middle." 

This  species  is  peculiar  to  the  countries  of  Western  North  America, 
though  we  see  no  reason  why  it  might  not  be  readily  naturalized  in 
any  portion  of  this  continent  within  the  same  ranges  of  latitude. 


2.  Callipepla  piota  {Douglas). — The  Plumed  Partridge. 

Orttfxpkta,  Douglas,  Trans.  Linn.  Soo.  London,  XVI,  p.  143  (1828). 
(?.-<?/»  2'^Mmt/era,  Gould,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1837,  p.  42. 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  PI.  CCCCXXII;  Oct.  ed.  V,  Plate  CCXCI;  Gould, 
Mon.  Plate  XV. 


Specimens  of  this  species  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition, 
and  appear  to  have  been  obtained  in  Oregon.  The  only  notice 
that  we  find  of  it,  by  either  of  the  naturalists,  is  by  Mr.  Peale,  as 
follows : 

"  The  Columbia  River  appears  to  be  the  northern  limit  of  this  species. 
We  saw  it  on  the  Willamette  River,  but,  although  in  large  flocks,  it  was 
not  common.  South  of  the  Umpqua  River,  we  saw  it  in  greater  num- 
bers. In  California  it  is  in  a  great  measure  replaced  by  the  California 
Partridge. 

"  Specimens  of  this  Partridge  were  obtained  by  Captains  Lewis  and 
Clarke,  on  their  journey  across  the  continent  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Columbia  River,  in  1806.  Captain  Lewis  had  a  drawing  made  with 
the  intention,  it  is  supposed,  of  publishing  it  with  his  journal,  but,  as 
he  died  without  accomplishing  that  object,  the  credit  of  this,  with 
many  other  discoveries  of  that  Expedition,  has  been  lost." 

This  handsome  and  rather  singular-looking  species  does  not  appear 
to  be  so  abundant  nor  so  extensively  diffused  as  the  preceding.  It  is 
apparently  restricted  to  the  countries  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
and  is  yet  comparatively  rare  in  collections. 


288 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


3.  Genus  COTURNIX,  Moehring,  Genera  Avium,  p.  64  (1752). 

1.  CJoTUBNix  COMMUNIS,  Bontiaterre. — The  Quail. 

Cotumix  communii,  Bonn.  Enoy.  Meth.  p.  217  (1790). 

Cotumix  dactyliionans,  Meter. 

Cotumix  vulgarit,  Fleming. 

Tetrao  cotumix,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  278  (1766). 

Naumann,  Vog.  Deuts.  VI,  Plate  CLXVI ;  Goulf'.,  B.  of  Eur.  IV, 
Plate  CCLXIII. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  from  the  Cape  de 
Verde  Islands,  and  are  in  apparently  adult  plumage.  They  appear  to 
be  the  same  as  the  European  species,  but  have  the  bill  rather  stronger 
than  usual  in  that  bird. 

Mr.  Peale  remarks  with  reference  to  this  species : 

"  Quails  were  found  in  great  abundance  at  the  Island  of  St.  Jago, 
one  of  the  Cape  de  Verde  Islands.  They  do  not,  on  examination, 
present  any  characteristics  by  which  they  can  be  separated  from  those 
found  in  Europe,  but  from  their  being  very  fat  on  the  6th  of  October, 
and  on  dissection  presenting  satisfactory  evidence  that  it  was  the  com- 
mencement of  the  breeding  season  with  them,  we  cannot  suppose  them 
individually  the  same  which  have  migrated  south. 

"  The  retreats  of  this  bird,  among  high  strong  grass,  were  betrayed 
by  the  often-repeated  cry,  pet-wet-wet,  which  can  be  heard  about  one 
hundred  yards.  On  approaching  them,  they  flush  within  about  twenty 
feet,  flying  generally  in  a  straight  line,  and  are  consequently  easily 
shot." 


4.  Gends  THINOCORUS,  EKhschoUs,  Zool.  Atlas,  p.  2  (1829). 

1.  Thinocokus  ing^,  Tschudi. 

Thinocorut  inga,  Tbch.  Wicgm.  Archiv,  1843,  p,  387.     Faun.  Per.  Orn.  p.  279. 
Glarevla  cuneicauda,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  244  (first  edition,  1848).* 
ThinocoruM  Sieaintoni,  Lesson,  111.  Zool.  p.  (not  paged,  1831)  ? 

*  "  In  general  form  and  appearance  like  a  Sparrow.     Head,  neck,  and  wing-coverts, 
pale  tawny ;  the  back  darker ;  all  the  feathers  of  the  upper  parts  are  sepia-brown  in  the 


R  A  S  0  R  E  S. 

Lesson,  111.  Zool.  Plate  XVI  ? 


289 


A  single  specimen,  which  appears  to  he  that  described  by  Mr.  Peale, 
is  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  and  is  the  only  representative  of 
this  remarkable  genus.  It  is  labelled  as  having  been  obtained  in  Peru, 
and  though  not  in  mature  plumage,  is  apparently  the  species  described 
by  Tschudi,  in  Wiegmann's  Archiv  and  in  Fauna  Peruana  as  above. 
Tschudi  mentions  no  other  species  as  inhabiting  Peru.  We  are  at 
present  not  without  a  suspicion  that  Thinocorua  Sivaineoni,  Lesson, 
will  prove  to  be  identical  with  the  Peruvian  species  now  before  us, 
but  have  not  the  facilities  necessary  for  a  conclusive  examination. 

Mr.  Peale  mentions  this  species  thus  : 

"  They  were  obtained  on  high  sandy  plains,  at  the  Island  of  San 
Lorenzo,  Peru.  Their  flight  is  rapid  and  dodging.  On  the  ground, 
they  have  very  much  the  appearance  of  Brown  Larks  or  Sparrows." 


3.  Family  PAV0NID.S1.— The  Cocks,  Turkeys,  and  Pea-fowls. 
I  1.  Genus  GALLUS,  Linn,  Syst.  Nat.  p.  48  (second  edition,  1740). 

1.  Gallus  Bankiva,  Temminck. — The  Wild  Cock. — The  Jungle 

Cock. 

Gallm  Bankiva,  Temm.  Hist.  Nat.  Pig.  et  Gall.  II,  p.  87  (1813). 
Phasianus  Gallus,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  270  (twelfth  edition,  1766). 

Jard.  and  Sel.  111.  Orn.  Ill,  Plate  CXXXIX ;  Gray,  111.  Ind.  Zool. 
Plate  XLIII,  fig.  3. 

middle  ;  the  scapulars  have  a  heart-shaped  tawny  spot,  margined  with  black  near  their 
extremities ;  throat  white,  with  an  obscure  blackish  border ;  belly  and  under  tail-coverts, 
white ;  wings  brown  above,  lighter  beneath ;  greater  coverts,  secondaries,  and  quills, 
brown,  with  a  light  margin;  first  quill  longest,  its  outer  web  white;  shafts  of  the  first 
three  quills  white ;  tail  rounded,  the  two  centre  feathers  much  longer  than  the  rest, 
which  gives  the  whole  a  cuneiform  appearance ;  centre  feathers  brown,  margined  with 
tawny  ;  the  others  dark  brown  or  black,  margined  and  tipped  with  white ;  bill  yellow  at 
the  base,  brown  at  the  end ;  legs  yellow ;  claws  brown. 

"  Total  length  six  and  two-tenths  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  four  and  one- 
tenth  inches ;  tail,  to  the  end  of  the  middle  feathers,  two  and  one-tenth  inches ;  outer 
feathers  one  and  four-tenths  inches ;  bill  seven-twentieths  of  an  inch ;  the  commissure 
one-half  of  an  inch  ;  breadth  three-tenths  of  an  inch ;  tarsi  eleven-twentieths  of  an  inch ; 
middle  toe,  including  the  nail,  fifteen-twentieths  of  an  inch ;  nail  two-tenths  of  an  inch  ; 
hind  toe,  including  the  nail,  two>tenths  of  an  inch ;  nail  one-tonth  of  an  inch.     Male." 

7a 


290  ORNITHOLOGY. 

Variety,  Oallua  taltiticue,  nobis. 

The  Cock  domesticated  in  the  Philippine  Islands,  and,  as  was  ascer- 
tained by  the  naturalists  of  the  Exploring  Expedition  in  the  Vincennes 
and  Peacock,  in  the  Island  of  Tahiti  also,  is  the  nearest  approach 
to  the  Jungle  Cock  of  India  {Oallua  Bankiva),  of  any  of  the  numerous 
domesticated  varieties  that  have  come  under  our  notice.  It  appears, 
in  fact,  to  be  quite  unmixed  with  any  other  species,  and  differs  only 
from  the  parent  bird  in  being  of  larger  size  and  in  having  the  comb 
larger  and  more  deeply  serrated.  All  the  colors  are  very  nearly  abso- 
lutely identical. 

In  the  collection  of  the  Exped  tion  we  find  a  well-characterized 
specimen  from  Tahiti,  and  in  the  collection  of  the  Philadelphia 
Academy,  another,  which  was  received  in  a  collection  of  birds  front 
the  Philippine  Islands,  recently  presented  by  Mr.  William  W.  Wood, 
of  Manilla,  long  an  energetic  and  most  valuable  member.  These  two 
specimens  are  almost  precisely  identical  with  each  other,  and  show 
the  slight  remove  from  the  Gallus  Bankiva,  to  which  we  allude.  We 
regard  it  as  very  probable  that  the  same  variety  inhabits  other  islands, 
possibly  coincident  with  the  diffusion  of  the  Malay  race. 

The  fact  which  appears  from  Mr.  Peale's  memoranda  given  below, 
that  this  Cock  has  again  become  wild  in  Tahiti,  is  of  high  interest. 
If  retaining  in  its  wild  state,  the  marks  which  we  now  consider  as 
indicating  a  domesticated  variety  only,  its  claims  to  be  considered  as 
a  distinct  species  would  be  an  interesting  and  somewhat  novel  pro- 
blem. 

The  specimens  before  us  are  quite  different  from  the  domesticated 
variety  known  in  this  country,  amongst  fanciers  as  "  the  Malay." 
Under  usual  circumstances,  this  bird  would  probably  be  regarded  as  a 
distinct  species. 

We  introduce  with  much  satisfaction  the  following  interesting  notes 
on  this  Cock  by  Mr.  Peale : 

"  Fowls  are  found  wild  in  the  unfrequented  parts  of  the  Island  of 
Tahiti,  which  appear  to  be  specifically  tlie  same  with  those  held  in  a 
state  of  domestication  by  the  natives  at  the  time  of  their  discovery  by 
Europeans,  and  continued  to  the  present  day.  They  are  less  subject 
to  variations  of  plumage  than  the  domesticated  fowls,  and  are  said  to 
retain  a  wild  spirit  which  is  not  easily  subdued.  The  young  hatched 
from  the  eggs  of  wild  hens  take  to  the  woods  as  soon  as  they  are  old 


B  A  S  0  R  E  S. 


291 


enough  to  leave  their  foster-mothers,  and  should  a  domefltic  fowl 
wander  a  sufficient  distance  from  the  dwelling  of  its  master  to  be  heard 
or  seen  by  the  wild  ones,  a  battle  ensues,  which  is  almost  always  fatal 
to  it. 

"  The  Tahitians  often  take  advantage  of  this  belligerent  propensity, 
to  obtain  a  meal  of  tough  poultry,  by  tying  a  cord  six  or  eight  feet 
long  to  the  leg  of  a  dunghill  bully,  and  carrying  him  to  the  mountains 
at  early  dawn ;  the  tame  cock  crows  and  is  answered  by  the  wild  one, 
and  from  notes  of  defiance  they  are  led  to  join  in  combat.  The 
Tahitian  conceals  himself,  until  by  the  noise  of  wings  he  feels  assured 
the  strife  has  commenced,  when  he  comes  to  the  rescue,  and  generally 
finds  the  cord  has  bound  the  combatants  together.  Any  person  who 
has  seen  a  cockfight,  will  readily  understand  how  this  has  taken  place. 
The  wild  fowl  instantly  loses  his  head,  and  the  tame  one  renews  the 
conflict  with  the  next  wild  one  within  hearing  of  his  notes  of  defiance. 

"  This  variety  may  be  indigenous  to  the  group  of  Society  Islands, 
as  it  differs  in  some  respects  from  those  of  the  Indian  Ocean,  but  we 
cannot  but  believe  them  to  be  specifically  the  same,  and  that  they 
were  introduced  by  the  Malayan  forefathers  of  the  present  Tahitians. 
They  give  a  collateral  proof  that  such  was  the  origin  of  the  human 
race  in  Polynesia." 

As  stated  above,  this  bird  is  larger  than  any  specimens  of  the 
Asiatic  Jungle  Cock  (6r.  Bankiva),  that  we  have  ever  seen,  but  is  of 
the  same  colors  and  general  characters.  It  is  either  a  peculiar  and 
well-marked  variety,  or  a  distinct  species. 


-:W 


HBADS    OF    0ALLU8    BANKIVA    AND    TAHITICU8, 

(Smaller,  Battkiva,  larger,  TaJiitkus.) 


202 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


2.  Oknos  ARGUS,  Temm.  Pig.  et  Gallin.  Ill,  p.  678  (1815). 
1.  Argus  giganteus,  Temminck. — The  Argus  Pheasant. 

ArguM  giganteui,  Temm.  Pig.  et  Oall.  Ill,  p.  678  (1815). 
Argui  pavoninxu,  Vieill.  Oall.  II,  p.  19  (1825). 
Phatianut  Argut,  LiNN.  Syat.  Nat.  I,  p.  272  (1766). 

Vieill.  Gal.  des  Ois.  II,  Plate  CCIV;  Lath.  Gen.  Hist.  VIII,  Plate 
CXX. 

Some  of  the  finest  specimens  that  we  have  ever  seen  of  this  magni- 
ficent bird,  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition.  We  introduce  it, 
however,  for  the  purpose  of  giving  a  note  from  Dr.  Pickering's  journal, 
made  at  Singapore,  by  which  it  appears  that  this  bird  is  occasionally 
brought  alive  to  that  city.  "  Sometimes  brought  living,"  he  says,  "  to 
this  place,  but  did  not  appear  to  be  much  admired  by  my  informants, 
one  of  whom  pronounced  it '  an  ungainly  bird.' " 


4.  Family  STRUTHIONID^.— The  Ostriches. 

1.  Genus  RHEA,  Moehring,  Avium  Genera,  p.  57  (1752). 

1.  Rhea  Americana,  Latham. — The  South  American  Ostrich. 

Rhea  amertcana,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  II,  p.  665  (1790). 
Struthio  Rhea,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  266  (1766). 


Buffon,  PI.  Enl.  224. 

This  bird  is  mentioned  in  Dr.  Pickering's  journal  under  date  of 
February  2d,  1839,  at  which  time  the  Expedition  was  at  the  Rio 
Negro,  Patagonia.  In  addition  to  its  frequent  occurrence  at  that 
point  being  recorded,  we  find  memoranda  of  an  examination  of  a  spe- 
cimen as  follows : 

''  This  specimen  had  a  row  of  cilias  or  eyelashes  on  the  upper  lid, 


wmm 


R  A  SORES. 


2f9 


tongue  very  short  and  fleshy.  Two  caeca,  excessively  voluminous  and 
convoluted,  and  of  a  greater  diameter  than  the  rectum,  from  which 
they  arise  about  eight  inches  from  the  vent.  Gizzard  large,  quite 
muscular,  containing  grasshoppers  and  other  insects,  some  grass,  small 
roots,  and  seeds,  spikes  of  Sdrpi,  &c.,  but  no  lizards  nor  other  reptiles. 

"  Two  large  external  glands  at  base  of  throat,  and  a  mass  of  glands 
at  base  of  oesopkagtia.  Plates  of  the  tarsus  both  before  and  behind 
strongly  defined,  and  reminded  me  of  the  ventral  plates  of  a  serpent. 
Well-defined  plates  also  on  the  phalanges  above.     A  young  bird." 

We  find  no  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 


74 


n 

"'  'is 


hi 


•  Tp*?* 


294 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


4.  Order  GRALLATORES.— The  Wading  Birds. 


1.  Family  ARDEID.X.— The  Herons  and  Cranes. 


1.  Genus  QRUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  (first  edition,  1735,  not  paged). 

1.  Grus  canadensis  (Linn.). — The  Sandhill  Crane. 

Ariieii  canadentii,  LiNN.  Syit.  Nat.  I,  284  (17G6). 
Crru«;)o/i'uj)Aa«a,  Waolkr,  SjBt.  Av.  (not  paged,  1827). 

Edwards,  Birds,  III,  Plate  CXXXIII ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.,  Plato 
CCLXI;  oct.  ed.  V,  Plate  CCCXIV. 

This  species  is  mentioned  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  as 
occurring  in  vast  numbers  in  Oregon  and  California,  and  appears  to 
have  constantly  presented  the  cinereous  plumage  by  which  it  is  cha- 
racterized and  distinguished  from  the  larger  Qri,^  americana.  This 
fact  is  particularly  alluded  to  by  Mr.  Peale,  whose  observations  are 
given  below. 

That  the  present  bird  and  the  species  just  mentioned  are  specifically 
identical,  which  was  conjectured  only  by  Wilson,  but  asserted  by 
Audubon  evidently  with  the  most  entire  sincerity,  is  an  idea  which 
may  now  be  regarded  as  no  longer  entertained,  the  testimony  ui'  all 
the  many  intelligent  observers  who  have  visited  the  western  countries 
of  North  America  being  against  it,  unanimously.  The  full  investiga- 
tion of  Grus  americana,  especially  in  its  immature  stages  of  plumage, 
however,  must  yet  be  considered  a  service  to  be  performed  in  North 
American  Ornithology.  We  have  never  seen  that  species  in  young 
plumage,  but  it  will  possibly  be  found  to  be  in  some  degree  similar  to 
that  of  the  adult  of  the  bird  now  before  us,  and  quite  possibly,  too, 
Audubon  may  have  figured  the  adult  and  young  of  the  same  species. 
Mr.  Peale's  observations  on  this  point  are  of  much  interest. 

In  Western  North  America  thif?  is  an  abundant  species,  migrating 
southward  in  the  autumn,  and  attracting  attention  by  the  large  num- 
bers in  which  it  appears.  Its  proper  home  appears  to  be  the  immense 
regions  of  this  continent  north  of  the  territory  of  the  United  States. 


ORALLATORES. 


205 


We  introduce  the  foUo'wing  observations  on  this  bird  by  Mr.  Peale : 

"  This  species  was  found  in  great  numbers  in  the  latter  part  of  July 
on  the  prairies  of  Oregon,  and  was  seen  almost  daily  in  our  journey 
to  California.  It  prefers  moist  open  grounds,  and  roosts  generally  on 
small  sand-bars  in  the  rivers  where  convenient,  but  never,  that  we 
learned,  on  trees.  We  do  not  agree  with  Wilson  or  with  Audubon,  in 
believing  the  *  Sandhill'  and  *  Whooping  Cranes'  to  be  the  young  and 
old  of  the  same  species.  If  it  were  so,  we  would  expect  to  find  at 
least  one  old  bird  in  many  thousand  individuals  seen  by  our  parties 
in  Oregon  and  California,  but  we  did  not  observe  a  single  specimen  of 
the  Whooping  Crane  {Gnia  americana),  although  the  bird  was  known 
to  several  persons  of  whom  we  made  inquiry,  as  a  rare  vinitor  on  that 
side  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  Sandhill  Cranes  or  Storks  {Gh'us  cana- 
densis), were  familiar  to  every  person,  being  known  to  breed  in  the 
country,  and  are  very  abundant.  Indians,  fur  traders,  trappers,  and 
persons  living  in  the  forests  and  prairies,  arc  prone  to  be  observers  of 
natural  objects,  and  are,  generally  speaking,  correct  in  their  know- 
ledge of  the  larger  animals  of  the  country  where  they  range.  They 
consider  these  two  birds  as  distinct  species,  and  we  have  no  reason  to 
disagree  with  them. 

"  Orus  americana  is  the  larger  of  the  two  species,  and  when  young, 
we  believe,  is  of  a  dusky  ferruginous  color,  having  seen  it  in  both 
stages  of  plumage  in  the  salt  marshes  of  Florida,  and  ou  the  prairies 
of  the  Missouri,  but  it  is  not  common  near  the  coast  of  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  while  on  the  contrary,  the  Grus  canadensis  abounds  there." 

Dr.  Pickering  also  gives  some  interesting  notes  on  this  bird.  The 
following  occurs  in  his  journal  kept  in  Oregon  : 

"  The  Sandhill  Crane  is  quite  common  here,  and  its  nest  has  been 
found  near  our  camp.  The  egg  appears  to  me  to  be  nearly  double  the 
size  of  that  of  a  goose,  and  is  of  a  dirty  white  or  rather  light  brown 
color,  with  reddish-brown  spots,  quite  irregular  in  figure,  and  thinly 
scattered  over  its  surface. 

"  The  note  of  this  bird,  especially  during  flight,  is  loud  and  very 
distinct,  sounding  something  like  the  syllables  bucJc-er-r-rup.  It  walks 
with  great  facility,  and  runs  swiftly,  though  in  observing  its  flight,  I 
was  constantly  impressed  with  an  apparent  awkwardness  of  position, 
much  more  than  in  the  Herons.  Its  flight  has,  however,  a  more 
vigorous  character  and  is  evidently  capable  of  long  continuance.  This 
Crane  alights  habitually  on  dry  plains  and  on  the  hills,  in  which  re- 


296 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


spect  it  differs  somewhat  from  the  Herons,  though  I  have  never  seen 
it  perch  on  trees.     It  was  found  breeding  at  Port  Discovery." 

Subsequently,  Dr.  Pickering  frequently  mentions  the  occurrence  of 
this  bird  in  large  numbers  in  California,  especially  under  date  of  6th 
of  September,  1841,  on  the  Sacramento  River. 

Specimens  in  unusually  fine  plumage  and  preservation  are  in  the 
collection  of  the  Expedition. 


2.  Qenus  ARDEA,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  288  (1766). 
1.  Ardea  jugdlaris,  Forater. 

Ardea  jvgularii,  Forster,  Doao.  An.  p.  172  (1844). 

" Herodicu  Greyi,  Orat,"  Oould>  B.  of  Aust.  VI  (not  paged)? 

Ardea  tacra,  Om.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  640  (1788)  ? 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VI,  Plote  LX,— same,  Plate  LXI? 

Numerous  specimens  of  this  species,  in  brown  plumage,  are  in  the 
collection  of  the  Expedition,  and  also  specimens  of  the  white-plumaged 
bird,  which  Mr.  Gould  has  characterized  as  specifically  distinct  under 
the  name  cited  above.  Both  extend  their  range  of  locality  apparently 
over  the  same  groups  of  islands,  from  the  Paumotu  and  Samoan 
Groups,  to  Australia.  In  the  latter  country,  they  are  described  as 
abundant  by  Mr.  Gould,  as  above,  who  produces  also  very  respectable 
evidence  of  their  non-identity. 

We  have  doubts  of  the  identity  of  these  birds,  not  only  on  account 
of  their  entire  and  unusual  dissimilarity  in  color,  but  also  because 
there  is  not  in  the  whole  collection,  nor  in  any  other  collection  to 
which  we  have  access,  a  single  specimen  showing  an  intermediate 
stage  of  plumage.  They  are,  however,  very  similar  in  their  forms 
and  general  organization,  and  were  considered  identical  by  the  natu> 
ralists  of  the  Expedition,  as  will  be  seen  in  Mr.  Feale's  observations 
inserted  in  this  article. 

The  name  Ardea  aacra,  Gmelin,  may  perhaps  be  applicable  to  this 
bird.  It  was  given  by  Gmelin  on  tlie  faith  of  a  description  by  Latham, 
of  a  species  designated  by  him  as  "  the  Sacred  Heron,"  in  General 
Synopsis  of  Birds,  III,  p.  92.  Singularly  enough,  that  description 
would  apply  only  to  an  intermediate  plumage,  if  at  all  to  this  species. 
Our  inability  to  solve  the  problem  here  presented  of  the  identity  or 


ORALLATORES. 


207 


non*identity  of  these  two  birds,  we  much  regret,  as  we  probably  have 
a  larger  number  of  specimens  than  has  ever  before  been  subjected  to 
the  examination  of  any  one  investigator.  The  uniform  characters  of 
each  induce  us  to  suspect  that  they  are  distinct,  but  we  do  not  at  pre- 
sent feel  justified  in  adopting  a  conclusion. 

Mr.  Peale  mentions  this  species  as  follows : 

"This  species  was  found  to  inhabit  nearly  all  the  intertropical 
islands  of  the  Pacific  Ocean.  We  first  saw  them  at  the  Paumotu 
Group,  then  at  Tahiti,  the  Samoan  Islands,  and  subsequently  at  Ton- 
gatabu,  and  the  Feejees.  From  all  these  places  we  have  specimens, 
which,  on  comparison,  are  so  much  alike,  that  we  are  constrained  to 
believe  them  identical.  The  young  birds  are  generally,  but  not  always, 
of  a  dark  brownish  slate-color,  a  few  being  white.  The  adults,  on  the 
contrary,  are  generally  snow-white  in  plumage,  but  some,  having  the 
elongated  back  and  breast  plumes  which  indicate  adult  plumage,  are 
found  of  a  dark  slate-color,  thus  indicating  that  the  color  depends  on 
other  causes,  and  is  not,  as  in  most  cases,  depending  on  the  maturity 
of  the  bird. 

"  A  purple  or  dark  slate-colored  specimen,  when  killed  at  Carlshoflf 
Island,  in  September,  had  the  under  mandible  green ;  the  upper  black ; 
legs  green ;  iris  yellow.  A  white  specimen,  in  about  the  same  state 
of  plumage,  each  having  long  straight  dorsal  plumes,  but  much  worn, 
had  a  yellow  bill,  and  the  legs  yellow,  tinged  with  green  ;  lores  green- 
ish ;  eyes  bright  yellow ;  both  specimens  were  females.  Dimensions  : 
twenty-four  inches  in  length,  and  thirty-nine  and  a  half  inches  in  ex- 
tent of  wings.  In  all  states  of  dark  plumage  there  is  invariably  a 
white  line  running  perpendicularly  along  the  throat." 

This  widely  diffused  species  is  one  of  the  most  handsome  birds  of 
its  group.  Very  fine  specimens  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedi- 
tion. 

2.  Ardea  stagnalis,  GoM. 

Ardea  tta/jnalts,  OouiD,  Birds  of  Australia,  VI  (not  paged,  1848). 
Anka  palruelis,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  216  (Ist  ed.  1848).* 


*  "  Id  general  appearance  and  size,  this  is  like  the  Green  Heron  (^Ardea  viresceiu) 
of  North  America,  and  in  its  voice  it  also  resembles  it.  Subcrested,  crown,  back,  and 
upper  parts  of  the  tail,  green,  all  having  cinereous  or  purple  reflections  when  viewed  at 
particular  angles   with  the  light;  wing-coverts  edged  with  rufous;   primaries  dark 

75 


298  ORNITHOLOGY. 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VI,  Plate  LXVII. 

Specimens  from  Tahiti  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  cannot 
be  distinguished  from  others  in  the  Museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Aca- 
demy, from  Northern  Australia.  The  latter  are  from  Mr.  Gould's 
collection,  and  are  the  types  of  his  description  and  figure,  above  cited. 
In  bis  article  on  this  species,  in  Birds  of  Australia,  as  cited  above,  Mr. 
Gould  refers  to  a  description  in  the  Proceedings  of  the  Zoological  So- 
ciety of  London,  Nov.  1847,  which  we  do  not  find  in  the  copy  to  which 
we  have  access,  and  cite,  therefore,  his  description  in  the  work  we 
have  mentioned. 

Mr.  Peale  mentions  this  bird  as  "  common  at  Tahiti  along  fresh 
water  streams." 


3.  Ardea  herodias,  Linnaetu. — The  Great  Heron. 

Ardea  lierodta$,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  237  (1766). 
Ardea  hudsonia,  LiNN.  Sjst.  Nat.  I,  p.  ;i38. 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  Plate  LXV,  fig.  5;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCXI;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLXIX. 

A  specimen  in  the  collection  from  Oregon.  This  species  is  noticed 
by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  as  having  baen  seen  in  that 
country  and  in  California. 

brownish-gray ;  sbafts  black ;  the  second  quill  longest,  first  and  third  equal ;  tail  rounded, 
the  shafts  black  above,  white  beneath ;  sides  of  the  neck,  breast,  belly,  and  under  taii- 
covcrts,  tawny  ash-color ;  a  white  line  in  front  of  the  neck,  which  reaches  from  the  bill 
to  the  breast,  near  this  the  feathers  have  each  a  tawny  spot  on  the  tip ;  under  parts  of 
the  wings  ash-colored,  with  a  white  margin  in  front ;  bill  above  black,  beneath  yellow  ; 
lores  green,  with  a  yellow  spot  in  front  of,  and  al  3  the  eye;  legs  yellow;  the  claws 
pale  brown. 

"Total  length,  sixteen  inches;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  seven  and  three-tenths 
inches;  tail,  two  and  eight-tenths  inches;  bill  two  and  six-tenths  inches;  to  the  corners 
of  tlie  moath,  three  and  a  half  inches;  tarsi,  one  and  eight-tenths  of  an  inch;  middle 
toe,  including  the  claw,  two  inches ;  claw,  seven-twentieths  of  an  inch.     Male. 

"  The  females  are  somewhat  larger,  but  in  plumage  resemble  the  males.  The  young 
birds  have  their  sides,  belly,  and  under  tail-coverts  of  a  ferruginous  buff-color,  which  also 
descends  from  the  head  down  the  sides  of  the  neck,  each  feather  having  longitudinal 
double  lines  of  dusky  black;  legs  dirty  green." 


GRALLATORES. 


299 


4.  Abdba  virescens,  Linnaeus. — The  Green  Heron. 

Ardea  virescens,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  238  (1766). 
Ardea  striata,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  288. 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  Plate  LXI,  fig.  1 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Aui.  Plate 
CCCXXXIII;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLXVII. 

Noticed  by  Dr.  Pickering  on  the  Sacramento  River,  California,  on 
the  30th  of  August,  1841.  This  well-known  species  appears  to 
inhabit  the  whole  of  the  temperate  regions  of  North  America. 


3.  Genus  EGBETTA,  Bonap.  Gomp.  List.  p.  47  (1838). 

1.  Egbetta  candidissima  {GmeUn). — The  Snowy  Heron. 

Ardea  candidissima,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p,  633  (1788). 
Ardea  tiivea,  Jacquin,  Beitr.  p.  18  (1784)  ? 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  Plate  LXII,  fig.  4 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCXLII ;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLXXIV. 

Observed  in  California. 

2.  Egbetta  thula  {Molina). 

Ardea  thula,  Mot.  Sagg.  Stor.  Nat.  Chili  (1782).  *      .      .       . 

Specimens  are  in  the  collection  from  Chili.  This  species  resembles 
the  North  American  E.  candidissima,  but  is,  perhaps,  properly  to  be 
regarded  as  distinct,  being  larger.  It  is,  hovever,  nearly  related  to 
that  species. 


3.  Egbetta  galatea,  Molina. — The  Greater  White  Heron. 

Ardea  galatea,  MoL.  Sagg.  Stor.  Nat.  Chili  (1782), 


300 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Ardea  egretta,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  629  (1778). 
Egretta  leuce,  BoNAP.  Comp.  List.  p.  47  (1838). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  Plate  LXI,  fig.  4  ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCLXXXVI;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLXX. 

Mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  observed  on  the  Sacramento  River, 
California,  on  the  29th  of  August,  1841. 


4.  Genob  NYCTICORAX,  Stephens,  Gen.  Zool.  XI,  p.  592  (1819). 
1.  Nycticorax  Gardeni  {Gmelin), — The  Night  Heron. 

Ardea  Gardeni,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  645  (1788). 

Nycticorax  americanus,  Bonap.  Comp.  List.  p.  49  (1838). 

Ardea  cyanocephala,  MoL.  Stor.  Nat.  Chili  (1782)  7 

Nycticorax  ohtcurut,  BoNAP.  Consp.  Av.  II,  p.  141  (1855)  ?  ' 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  Plate  LXI,  figs.  2,  3 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCXXXVI ;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLXIII. 

Numerous  specimens  from  Peru  and  Chili,  that  we  have  examined, 
do  not  difier  from  the  bird  of  North  America,  except  perhaps  in  being 
rather  larger.  Specimens  from  Chili  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Ex- 
pedition ;  and  this  bird  was  observed  also  in  Oregon.  If  to  be  regarded 
as  distinct  from  the  North  American  species,  the  proper  name  for  the 
bird  of  Peru  and  Chili  is  that  applied  by  Molina,  as  above  cited. 

This  species  is  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  occurring  at  Puget's 
Sound,  Oregon,  on  the  22d  of  July,  1841. 


5.  Genub  BOTAURUS,  Stephens,  Gen.  Zool.  XI,  p.  592  (1810). 

1.  BoTAURUS  EXiLis  (G^neWn)  ? 

Ardea  exilis,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  645  (1788)  f  ' 

Ardea  erythrum€la$,Y \&1LL0t1 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXV,  fsg.  4  ? 


GRALLAT0RE8. 


301 


Under  this  name,  but  doubtfully,  Mr.  Peale  mentions  a  bird  observed 
at  Oahu,  of  which  we  find  no  specimen  in  the  collection. 

We  give  Mr.  Peale's  remarks : 

"  When  at  Oahu,  this  species,  or  one  closely  allied  to  it,  was  ascer- 
tained to  frequent  the  fresh-water  streams  and  taro  patches  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Pearl  River,  but  having  lost  the  specimens  in  the 
wreck  of  the  U.  S.  Ship  Peacock,  it  is  now  impossible  to  assert  posi- 
tively that  they  are  identical,  but  the  resemblance  is  very  close." 

BotauruB  exilia  inhabits  North  America,  but  we  have  never  seen  it 
from  either  of  the  islands  in  the  Pacific,  and  therefore  regard  Mr. 
Peale's  statement  as  possessing  peculiar  interest.  The  nearly  allied 
South  American  bird  is  regarded  as  a  distinct  species,  under  the  name 
Botaurus  erythrotnelao  (Vieillot).  It  is  quite  probable  that  the  bird 
alluded  to  by  Mr.  Peale  is  unknown  to  naturalists. 


2.  Botaurus  r  j:ntiginosus  [Montagu). — The  American  Bittern. 

Ardea  lentiginota,  Montagu,  Orn.  Diet.  Supp.  (not  paged,  1813). 
Ardea  minor,  WiLSON,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  p.  35  (1814). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXV,  fig.  3 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCXXXVII;  oct  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLXV. 


Mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  having  been  noticed  on  the  Sacra- 
mento River,  California,  on  the  27th  of  August,  1841. 


i 


2.  Family  TANTALID^. 


1.  Qenos  ibis,  Moehrinj,  Av.  Gen.  p.  71  (1752). 

1.  Ibis  Ordii,  Bmxtparte. — The  Glossy  Ibis. 

Ibis  Ordii,  BoNAP.  Comp.  List,  p.  49  (1838). 
"i6««/afcjneWtt»,  Linn."  Auct.  American. 


Bonap.  Am.  Orn.  IV,  Plate  XXIII,  fig.  1 ;  Aud.  B.  of  im.  Plate 
CCCLXXXVII;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLVIII. 

76 


iM 


302 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


This  bivndsome  species  is  apparently  a  more  northern  bird  than  the 
succeeding,  but  the  two  have  been  constantly  confounded  with  each 
other,  and  with  Ibis  falcinellua  of  the  Old  World,  so  much  so,  in  fact, 
that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  separate  their  synonymy. 

This  bird  is  larger  than  the  South  American  species  alluded  to  in 
the  article  immediately  succeeding,  and  which  appears  to  be  a  summer 
visitor  to  the  southwestern  countries  of  the  United  States.  The  pre- 
sent species  we  have  never  seen  from  South  America. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  labelled  as  having 
been  obtained  in  Oregon,  into  which  country  this  species  appears  to 
extend  its  migration  in  summer,  probably  inhabiting  the  entire  western 
coast  of  North  America.  This  and  allied  species  are  regarded  as  form- 
ing the  genu.^  Fahinellns,  Becbstein,  adopted  by  the  Prince  Bonaparte 
in  hia  Monograph  of  the  family  Tantalidce,  in  Conspectus  Avium,  II, 
p.  149. 

Dr.  Pickering  mentions  this  bird  as  occurring  at  Vancouver,  Oregon. 


2.  Ibis  guarauna  (Linn.). 

Scolopax  guarauna,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  242  (1766). 

Tantalus  chakopterus,  Tehm.  PI.  Col.  V,  p.  (liv.  86). 

ii!itf  brevirottrit,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  219  (first  edition,  1848).* 

Temm.   PI.  Col.  V,  Plate   DXI;  Shaw,  Nat.   Misc.  XVII,  Plate 
DCCV. 


This  species  inhabits  apparently  nearly  the  entire  southwestern 
regions  of  the  continent  of  America,  from  New  Mexico  and  California, 
to  Patagonia,     It  is  of  frequent  occurrence  in  Peru  and  Chili,  and, 

*  "  Head,  neck,  breast,  belly,  and  thighs,  sepia-brown,  lightest  near  the  head;  feathers 
of  the  head  finely  edged  with  white ;  back,  wings,  and  tail,  olive-groen,  with  a  blue  and 
purple  gloss ;  bill  short,  strong  at  the  base,  narrow  at  the  tip,  slightly  curved,  and  of  a 
dark  brown  color;  legs  very  thick,  tho  toes  short,  and  having  short,  straight  black  nails ; 
iridcH  brown.     Male. 

"Total  length,  twenty  and  seven-tenths  inches;  wing,  from  tho  carpal  joint,  twelve 
inches ;  tail,  four  atid  three-twentieths  inches ;  tarsi,  two  and  seventcen-twentieths 
inches;  bare  part  of  the  tibia,  one  and  one-fourth  inches;  middle  toe,  including  tho  nail, 
two  and  two-tenths  inches;  nail,  fouv-tenths  of  an  inch;  hind  toe,  including  tho  nail, 
one  inch;  nail,  seven-twentieths  of  an  inch;  bill,  three  and  nine-twentieths  inches;  tu 
the  corner  of  the  month,  three  and  one  half  inches."     Peale,  as  above. 


ORALLATORES. 


808 


according  to  accurate  and  careful  observers  in  the  latter  country,  mi- 
grates further  southward.  Though  bearing  a  general  resemblance  to 
the  northern  and  eastern  species,  Ibis  Ordii,  Bonap.,  it  is  quite  dis- 
tinct, and  not  difficult  to  recognize  on  comparison  of  specimens.  It 
is  frequently  brought  in  collections  from  New  Mexico  and  Southern 
California,  the  more  so,  perhaps,  from  the  former. 

Mr.  Peale  states  in  allusion  to  the  present  species : 

"  This  interesting  bird  was  observed  in  flocks  of  fifteen  or  twenty, 
along  the  banks  of  fresh-water  streams  and  lakes  in  Chili,  during  the 
month  of  May.  Their  flight  was  easy  and  graceful.  The  only  spe- 
cimen saved  was  in  immature  plumage,  having  the  head,  neck,  and 
belly,  sepia-brown,  with  a  double  line  of  white  on  each  of  the  feathers 
of  the  head  and  neck ;  bill  brown ;  legs  dusky." 

The  specimen  here  alluded  to  is  not  in  mature  plumage,  but  is  ap- 
parently not  so  young  as  that  described  by  Mr.  Peale  as  Ibis  breviros- 
tris,  of  which  he  mentions :  "  It  was  killed  on  the  River  Bimac,  in 
Peru,  in  July.  But  few  others  were  seen,  and  they  were  all  solitary, 
and  seemed  to  prefer  thick  reedy  swamps,  like  the  Rallidge." 

As  a  bird  of  North  America,  this  species  was  first  noticed  by  our 
friend,  Dr.  S.  W.  Woodhouse,  who  procured  it  on  the  Rio  Zoquete,  in 
Texas,  while  attached  to  the  Expedition  to  the  River  Zuni,  com- 
manded by  Captain  L.  Sitgreaves,  United  States  Army.  It  is  included 
in  his  catalogue  of  birds  collected  during  that  Expedition,  in  the  Re- 
port, p.  98. 


It 


8.  Family  RALLIDiE. 

1.  Genus  RALLUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  261  (1766). 

1.  Rallus  pectoralis.  Lesson. 


Rallus  pectoralis,  Lesson,  Traite,  p.  530  (1831). 

"  Rallut  pectoralis,  Cvv.  Gal.  de  Paris,"  Less,  as  above. 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VI,  Plate  LXXVI, 

Of  this  handsome  species,  well  known  as  a  bird  of  Australia,  nume- 
rous specimens  are  in  the  collection  from  various  islands  in  the  Pacific, 


<r 


■w-mi 


904 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


but  presenting  no  specific  distinctions.  Some  are  without  the  charac- 
teristic pectoral  band,  but  the  greater  number  from  all  the  localities 
have  it  either  fully  or  partially  developed.  We  find  slight  differences 
only  in  size  and  relative  dimensions,  of  no  appreciable  value  in  specific 
determination. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  in  relation  to  this  species  : 

"  Specimens  were  procured  at  the  Samoan  or  Navigator  Islands,  at 
the  Feejees,  Tonga,  and  New  Holland.  They  vary  but  little  either 
in  size  or  plumage ;  all  have  a  ferruginous  band  across  the  breast  at 
certain  times,  and  arc  without  it  at  others.  They  frequent  grassy  and 
shrubby  grounds,  and  it  is  very  difficult  to  make  them  take  to  their 
wings,  but  they  run  with  considerable  speed  ;  without  a  dog  it  is  not 
easy  to  obtain  them,  unless  by  watching  a  road  or  path,  when  a  per- 
son may  now  and  then  see  them  cross,  when  it  is  easy  to  shoot  them. 

"  The  iris  is  reddish-brown  ;  bill  dusky  flesh-color ;  legs  yellowish- 
brown. 

"Male,  killed  at  Upolu;  total  length,  thirteen  inches;  extent  of 
wings,  nineteen  inches ;  bill,  to  the  corner  of  the  mouth,  one  and  six- 
tenths  inches. 

"  Male,  killed  at  Mathuata,  Feejees ;  total  length,  thirteen  and  one- 
eighth  inches;  extent  of  wings,  nineteen  and  three-fourths  inches ; 
bill,  to  the  corner  of  the  mouth,  one  and  a  half  inches." 

The  diffusion  of  this  bird  throughout  such  an  extensive  range  of 
localities,  is  a  fact  of  much  interest,  ascertained  by  the  naturalists  of 
the  Expedition.  Specimens  in  the  collection  are  in  good  order  and 
mature  plumage. 


2.  Rallus  sanguinolentus,  Swavison. 

Rallus  snnguxnvlentut,  Swains.  Cab.  Cy.  Ill,  p.  835  (1838). 

Rallut  luridus,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  £zp.  Birds,  p.  223  (first  edition,  1848).'*' 

*  "  Crown,  hind  part  of  neck,  back,  wings,  and  tail,  rich  olive-brown ;  cheeks,  front 
of  the  neck,  breast,  and  belly,  dark  ashy  blue,  lightest  on  the  throat;  thighs  and  vent 
tinged  with  olive-brown  ;  wings  dark  brown ;  shafts  black  ;  first  quill  much  shorter  than 
the  others,  fourth  longest,  second  and  third  slightly  shorter;  bill  curved;  both  mandi- 
bles rounded  at  the  edges ;  upper  mandible  blue  at  the  base,  green  in  the  middle,  and 
brown  at  the  tip ;  lower  mandible  brown  at  the  tip,  green  in  the  middle,  and  reddish  at 
th    '     0 ;  legs  pale  red ;  irides  orange. 

"  Total  length,  fourteen  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  six  and  two-tenths  inches ; 


GRALLATORES. 


805 


Specimens  in  the  collection  are  from  Orange  Harbor,  Tierra  del 
Fuego.  This  species  appears  to  be  abundant  on  the  western  coast  of 
South  America.  It  is  related  to  Rcdlua  ccmm  (Spix.  Av.  Bras.  Plate 
XCV),  but  appears  to  be  larger,  though  specimens  vary  in  measure- 
ments quite  considerably.  We  are  acquainted  with  no  figure  of  this 
species. 

Very  fine  specimens  of  this  bird  are  also  in  the  National  Museum, 
brought  from  Chili,  by  the  United  States  Astronomical  Expedition, 
commanded  by  Lieut.  J.  M.  Gilliss,  United  States  Navy.  It  appears 
to  inhabit  the  western  coast  of  South  America,  from  Chili  to  Patagonia. 


2.  Genus  ZAPORNIA,  ieacA.  V 

1.  Zapornia  uhbrina,  Caeain. 

Zapomia  umhrina,  Cassin,  Proc.  Acad.  Pbilad.  YIII,  p.  254  (1856). 
"  Zapornia  spilonota,  Gould,"  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Bitds,  p.  224  (Ist  ed. 
1848). 


Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXXV,  fig.  2.     Adult. 


Form. — Small,  about  the  size  of  Z.  spilonota,  Gould.  Bill  rather  long, 
slender ;  membrane  of  the  nostril  large ;  wing  moderate  ;  third  pri- 
mary longest ;  tertiaries  long ;  tail  short ;  tarsus  and  toes  long. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  five  and  a  half  inches; 
wing,  three  inches ;  tail,  two  inches. 

Colors. — Entire  upper  parts  reddish-brown,  or  snufi-color,  darker 
on  the  head,  and  lighter  on  the  wing-coverts,  without  spots.  Quills 
and  tail  brownish-black ;  edge  of  the  first  primary  white ;  edge  of  wing 
at  shoulder  white.  Under  parts  light  cinereous,  nearly  white  on 
the  throat ;  under  wing-coverts  and  under  tail-coverts,  brownish-black, 

tail,  three  inches;  bill,  two  and  three-tenths  inches;  to  the  corner  of  the  mouth,  two 
and  tive-twentieths  inches ;  tarai,  one  and  nineteen-twentieths  inches ;  middle  toe,  includ- 
ing the  nail,  two  and  three-tenths  inches ;  nnil,  half  an  inch ;  hind  toe,  including  the 
nail,  seven-tenths  of  an  inch;  nail,  three-tenths  of  an  inch."    Peale,  as  above. 

77 


306 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


spotted  with  white.    On  the  side  below  and  under  the  wing,  light 
reddish-brown ;  bill  and  legs  greenish. 

Hab. — Feejee  Islands.    Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington  City. 

A  species  resembling  Zapomia  spilonota,  Gould,  but  without  spots 
on  any  portion  of  the  plumage  of  the  upper  parts,  and  having  a  strong 
distinctive  character  in  the  brown  color  of  the  sides,  which,  when  the 
wing  is  closed,  presents  the  appearance  of  a  longitudinal  band  of  that 
color  immediately  below.  Z.  spilonota  inhabits  the  Galapagos  Islands. 
The  present  is  from  the  Feejees,  and  is  readily  to  bo  distinguished. 

The  genus  Zapomia  is  a  peculiar  group  of  small  birds,  nearly  allied 
to  Fbrzana,  Vieillot,  and  probably  of  very  similar  habits.  The  nearest 
relatives  of  this  group  in  North  America  are  Porzana  Jamaicemis  and 
noveboracenais. 

We  have  only  a  note  by  Mr.  Peale  relating  to  this  species : 

"  A  single  specimen  was  obtained  at  Ovolau,  one  of  the  Feejee 
Islands.  It  is  without  spots  on  the  wings,  but  in  other  respects 
answers  to  Mr.  Gould's  description." 

Mr.  Peale  regarded  this  bird  as  identical  with  Mr.  Gould's  Z.  epilo- 
nota,  figured  in  Voyage  of  the  Beagle,  Birds,  PI.  XLIX,  to  whicli, 
however,  it  is  only  generically  related. 

This  interesting  little  bird  is  represented  in  our  plate  of  the  natural 
size. 


3,  Genus  FULICA,  Linn.  Syst,  Nat.  I,  p.  257  (1766). 

1.  FuLiCA  ALAi,  Peale. 

Fulica  alai,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  224  (firat  edition,  1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXXVI.     Adult. 

F.  americana  minor,  rosfro  graciliore.     Tola  2)ro/unde  cinerea,  capite  et 
collo  prope  nigria.     Long.  tot.  \Z  pnUicea, 

Form. — Rather  smaller  than  F.  amencana,  and  with  the  bill  more 
slender.     Wing  rother  short ;  second  quill  longest ;  tertiaries  long, 


ORALLATORES. 


807 


tail  short ;  tarsi  robust ;  frontal  extension  small,  ending  in  a  point 
on  the  forehead.    Inferior  coverts  as  long  as  the  tail. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  thirteen  inches;  wing, 
six  and  a  half  inches ;  tail,  two  inches ;  bill  to  gape,  one  and  one- 
fourth  inches ;  tarsus,  two  inches. 

Colors — Entire  plumage  dark  cinereous,  nearly  black  on  the  head 
and  neck,  lighter  on  the  breast  and  abdomen,  and  tinged  with  olive- 
brown  on  the  back.  Tips  of  secondaries  white,  forming  an  oblique 
bar  on  the  wing  when  folded  ;  outer  edge  of  the  first  primary  white ; 
under  tail-coverts  white.  "  Bill  reddish-white,  the  frontal  knob  pale 
blue ;  legs  bluish-green."     (Peale.) 


Hab. — Sandwich  Islands. 
City. 


Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington 


A  species  much  resembling  several  others  of  this  rather  difficult 
genus,  but  apparently  distinct,  and  probably  restricted  to  the  Sand- 
wich Islands.  It  has  a  comparatively  longer  and  more  slender  bill 
than  the  common  species  of  North  America,  more  resembling  in  that 
respect  Fulica  australis,  Gould,  and  some  other  species.  It  appears 
also  to  be  uniformly  smaller  than  the  species  to  which  we  allude. 
The  only  specimens  that  have  ever  come  under  our  notice,  are  in  the 
collection  of  the  Expedition,  and  are  in  mature  plumage  and  good 
preservation. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  of  this  bird  : 

"At  the  Sandwich  Islands  it  is  not  uncommon  on  marshy  banks  of 
creeks  and  in  taro  patches,  and,  according  to  our  observations,  is  re- 
stricted to  that  group." 

This  species  is  represented  in  our  plate  rather  smaller  than  the  size 
of  life. 


2.  Fulica  amebicana,  OmeUn. — The  Coot.    The  Mud  Hen. 

Fulica  amerkana,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  704  (1788). 
Fulica  Wilsoni,  Stephens,  Gen.  Zool.  XII,  p.  236  (1824) 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  IX,  Plate  LXXIII,  fig.  1 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCXXXIX;  oct.  ed.  V,  Plate  CCCV. 


308 


ORNITHOLOaV. 


This  species  is  frequently  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  in  Oregon, 
and  subsequently  on  the  Sacramento  River,  and  at  other  points  in 
California.  In  the  latter  country,  he  alludes  to  it  as  quite  abundant 
in  the  month  of  October,  and  on  the  Sacramento.  He  says :  "  In  all  the 
specimens  seen,  the  frontal  enlargement  of  the  bill  seemed  particularly 
conspicuous.     This  bird  was  seen  swimming  in  the  river." 


4.  Qbnus  PORPHYWO,  Britson,  Orn.  V,  p.  523  (1760). 

1.  PoRPHTRiO  INDICUS,  Horsfield. 

Porphyrio  indicui,  HoRSF.  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  London,  XIII,  p.  194  (1822). 
Porphyria  tmaragdinut,  Temm.  PI.  Col.  V  (liv.  71,  about  1825). 
Porphyrio  tamoemis,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  220  (1st  ed.  1848).* 

Temm.  PI.  Col.  421. 

With  several  specimens  before  us  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedi- 
tion, and  numerous  others  from  the  Museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Aca- 
demy, we  fail  to  perceive  any  characters  indicative  of  distinction  in 
species.  All  the  former  are,  however,  from  the  Samoan  Islands,  while 
the  latter  are  from  Java,  Sumatra,  and  other  islands  of  the  Malay 
Archipelago.  There  is,  therefore,  a  wide  difference  in  locality,  but 
we  can  at  present  only  conclude  on  identity. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  of  the  present  bird : 

"  This  species  was  found  to  be  abundant  in  all  the  fresh-water  ponds 
of  the  Island  of  Upolu,  one  of  the  Samoan  Group,  and  were  also  fre- 
quently flushed  from  grassy  meadows." 

*  "  Bill  and  vertex  crimson  ;  feet  yellow,  dashed  with  crimson ;  cheeks,  and  occiput 
black;  back,  scapulars,  and  greater  wing-coverts,  olive-brown;  wings  and  tail  black, 
with  a  tinge  of  blue-green  on  their  outer  webs;  neck  and  bellj  ultramarine  blue ;  breast 
and  upper  margin  of  the  wing  cobalt  blue ;  all  the  plumage  of  the  body  black  next  to 
the  body,  and  having  white  shafts ;  under  tail-coverts  white. 

"  Total  length,  seventeen  and  two-tenths  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  nine 
and  four-tenths  inches ;  bill,  from  the  back  of  the  frontal  plate,  two  and  a  half  inches ; 
from  the  corner  of  the  mouth,  one  and  seven-tenths  inches;  depth  of  the  upper  mandible 
at  its  base,  eleven-twentieths  of  an  incu  ;  depth  of  the  lower  mandible,  three-tenths  of 
an  inch;  tarsi,  throe  and  two-tenths  inches;  middle  toe,  including  the  nail,  three  and 
eight-tenths  inches ;  nail,  seven-tenths  of  au  inch ;  hind  toe,  one  and  eight-tenths  inches ; 
uail,  thirteen-twentieths  of  au  inch." 


ORALLATORES. 


309 


2.   PORPHYRIO  VITIEN31S,  Rale. 
Parphj/rio  vitietuii,  Pealb,  ZooI.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  221  (1st  edition,  1848). 

Capite,  coUo,  pectore  et  humeris  uUramarinie,  tergo,  alia  et  cauda  oUvaceo- 
/uecia.  Ahdomine  purpurascenie-coeruleo,  crissie  albis.  Long.  tot.  13 
pollicea. 

Form. — Typical,  ranch  smaller  than  the  preceding.  Bill  rather  short, 
high  at  base,  and  rather  abruptly  tapering ;  frontal  extension  mode- 
rate, circular ;  wing  rather  long,  fourth  quill  longest ;  tertiaries  long ; 
tail  short ;  legs  robust ;  tibia  naked  for  about  one-third  of  its  length 
next  the  tarsus ;  toes  long.     Quills  pointed. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  thirteen  inches ;  wing, 
eight  inches ;,  tail,  two  and  a  half  inches ;  bill  to  gape,  one  and  one- 
fourth  inches ;  tarsus,  two  and  one-fourth  inches ;  middle  toe,  three 
inches. 


Colors. — Head,  neck,  breast,  and  shoulders,  ultramarine  blue, 
darker  on  the  occiput  and  neck  behind,  and  tinged  with  purple  ;  back, 
wings,  and  tail,  dark  olive-brown ;  quills  on  their  outer  edges  greenish- 
blue;  abdomen  dull  purplish-blue;  under  tail-coverts  white.  Bill  and 
tarsi  light  colored,  the  former  probably  red,  the  latter  yellow. 

Hab. — Feejee  Islands.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

This  is  a  species  very  much  resembling  the  preceding,  but  much 
smaller,  and  with  the  frontal  plate  comparatively  restricted.  We  re- 
gard it  as  a  bare  possibility,  that  it  is  the  young  of  that  bird,  but  on 
account  principally  of  its  marked  difference  in  size,  and  also  of  the 
fact  that  it  inhabits  a  different  group  of  islands,  at  present  we  regard 
it  as  a  distinct  and  hitherto  undescribed  species. 

In  form,  this  bird  is  strictly  the  same  as  P.  smaragdinus,  and  other 
typical  species.  It  is,  however,  one  of  the  smallest  known  species  of 
this  genus. 

The  following  is  the  only  note  that  we  find  on  record  relating  to 
this  bird,  and  is  by  Mr.  Peale : 

78 


^m 


'k 


^' 


Hm 


■'>S. 


810 


ORNITHOLOQY. 


"  Inhabits  ewampy  grounds  and  taro  ponds  uf  the  Fcejcc  Islands, 
and  supposed  to  bo  rare,  as  we  obtained  but  two  specimens." 

Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  arc  in  good  preser* 
vation. 


4.  Family  SCOLOPACIDiE.— The  Woodcocks  iind  Snipes. 

1.  Genus  SCOLOPAX,  Linn.  Sjrat.  Nat.  I,  p.  242  (1760). 

1.   ScOLOPAX   MERIDIONALIS,  l\alc. 

Scohpax  meridionalii,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Bird*,  p.  229  (l»t  ed.  1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXXV,  fig.  1.    Adult. 

Suiva  nigra  ei  ferruginea,  capiie  lincis  duahua  longitiMlinalibua  nigris, 
auhttia  pallide  fulra  lineia  trausversis  pro/nndc  ftiscis.  Long.  tot.  Hi 
poUicea. 

Form. — About  the  size  of  S.  mturata,  Horsfield.  General  form  robust ; 
bill  long,  strong,  thick  at  base ;  wing  moderate,  second  quill  longest ; 
legs  very  strong ;  tail  short. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  eleven  and  a  half  inches ; 
wing,  six  and  one-fourth  inches ;  tail,  two  and  a  half  inches ;  bill, 
three  and  one-fourth  inches. 

Colors. — Entire  upper  parts  black  and  ferruginous,  the  black  form- 
ing two  stripes  on  the  head,  with  a  narrow  intermediate  stripe  of  the 
latter.  Every  feather  on  the  back  and  p<'apulars  and  the  tertiaries, 
black,  with  somewhat  semicircular  or  luiuited  bands  of  ferruginous, 
paler  on  the  edges.  Rump  and  upper  tail-coverts  with  irregular  trans- 
verse bands  of  black  and  ferruginous.  Quills  light  brown,  the  two  first 
paler,  and  nearly  white  on  their  outer  webs.  Under  parts  pale  fulvous, 
thickly  spotted  on  the  cheeks,  neck,  and  breast,  with  dark  brown  ; 
fianks  and  sides  irregularly  barred  transversely  with  dark  brown; 
middle  of  abdomen  unspotted.    Tail  dark  brown,  with  irregular  trans- 


0  R  A  L  L  A  T  0  R  R  8. 


311 


veree  bars  of  pale  reddish-wliito.     Bill  dRtk  brown,  lighter  at  base  of 
under  mandible.    "  Irides  dark  brown ;  legs  pale  red"  (Peale). 

Hab. — Orange  Bay,  Tierra  del  Fiiego.  Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus, 
Washington  City. 

This  is  a  very  remarkable  species,  the  only  specimen  of  which,  that 
we  have  ever  seen,  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition.  It  belongs 
to  an  intermediate  group,  partaking  in  almost  equal  proportions  of  the 
characters  of  the  restricted  genus  Scolopax,  or  the  Woodcocks  (of 
which  the  European  Scolopax  rusticola  is  the  type),  and  of  the  genus 
Oallinago,  or  the  Snipes.  Its  thick  and  strong  bill,  and  very  robust 
legs,  appear  to  us,  however,  to  give  it  preferable  claims  to  be  regarded 
as  a  ScolojMix  or  Woodcock. 

Scolopax  saturaia,  Ilorsfield,  figured  in  that  eminent  author's  Zoolo- 
gical Researches  in  Java,  approximates  somewhat  to  the  intermediate 
group  to  which  we  allude,  and  presents  greater  general  resemblance 
to  the  present  species,  than  any  other  with  which  we  are  acquainted. 
The  stripes  on  the  head,  however,  in  the  present  bird,  are  longitudi- 
nal, as  in  Oallinago.  The  only  specimens  that  we  have  ever  seen  of 
this  interesting  species,  arc  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  and 
appear  to  be  in  mature  plumage. 

The  only  note  relating  to  this  bird  that  we  find,  is  by  Mr.  Peale,  as 
follows : 

"This  Woodcock  is  common  in  dainp  thick  forests,  or  moist  bushy 
lands  about  Orange  Bay,  Tierra  del  I'uego.  Wo  never  saw  it  on  open 
marshy  ground  where  the  Magellanic  Snipe  is  common." 

Our  figure  represents  this  bird  of  the  natural  size. 


2.  Scolopax  aucklandica  {0.  R.  Gray). 

Oallinago  aucklandica,  G.  R.  (iRAV,  Zool.  Voy.  Erebus  and  Terror,  Birds,  p.  13 
(1845). 

Scolopax  Holmesii,  I'kale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  229  (1st  ed,  1848).* 

Zool.  Voy.  Erebus  and  Terror,  Birds,  Plate  XIII. 

*  Mr.  Peale  does  not  give  a  description  of  this  species. 


■R&a 


312 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


The  only  specimen  of  Ihit'  interesting  little  species  that  we  have 
ever  scan,  we  find  in  the  present  collection.  Though  not  belonging 
to  the  same  group  as  the  preceding,  it  appears  to  us  to  be  more  pro- 
perly arranged  in  Scolopax,  than  in  Qallinago.  The  specimeii  now 
before  us  appears  to  be  younger  than  that  represented  in  Mr.  Gray's 
plate,  though  having  both  the  black  and  the  ferruginous  markings  on 
the  upper  parts  much  more  strongly  defined  than  as  given  in  the  plate 
alluded  to,  but  with  the  bill  scarcely  as  long  nor  so  robust.  In  our 
specimen,  the  ferruginous  is  especially  observable,  and  the  black  shows 
a  tendency  to  form  somewhat  ovate  or  cordate  spots  and  lint?s  rather 
Irregularly  distributed. 

We  regret  to  find  no  notes  relating  to  this  species  in  the  journals  of 
the  naturulists  of  the  Expedition,  Mr.  Peale  only  mentioni^ig  that  a 
single  specimen  was  obtained  at  Lord  Auckland's  Islands,  by  Dr. 
Holmes,  of  the  United  States  Navy,  to  whom  he  dedicated  it,  but 
subsequently  ascertained  that  he  had  been  anticipated,  as  above. 


2.  Gbnus  GALLINAGO,  Leach. 

1.  GaLLINAOO  PARAGUATiE  {Vieill.). 

Scolopax  paraguayiXf  ViEiLL.  Encj.  Meth.  Ill,  p.  IIGO  (1823). 
Scolopax  brasilientls,  SWAINB.  FauD.  Bor.  Am.  II,  p.  400  (1831). 
/&ofopax_pa/«t/o«a,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  r,  p.  661  (1788)? 

Buflf.  PI.  Enl.  896? 

Several  specimens  from  the  vicinity  of  the  City  oi  Rio  de  Janeiro, 
are  in  the  present  collection.  Mr.  Swa'nson's  description,  as  cited 
above,  is  too  short  to  be  satisfactory,  but  applies  apptirexily  to  this 
bird,  and  at  present  we  regard  it  as  the  true  S.  paraguaycn,  Vieillot. 
We  are  acquainted  with  no  figure  of  this  species,  unless  it  is  that  re- 
presented in  Buffon's  plate,  to  which  we  refer  above,  and  which,  by 
the  way,  we  think,  not  improbable. 


2.  Gallinago  magellanica  {King). 

Scolopax  magellattcut,  Kitio,  Zool.  Jour.  IV,  p.  93  (182?). 
Scolopax  leucufU).,  SwAiNs.  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  II;  p.  501  (1831)  f 


GRALLATOBES. 
Gray,  Genera  of  Birds,  III,  Plate  CLVII  ? 


313 


Specimens  from  Orange  Bay,  Tierra  del  Fuego,  where,  according  to 
Mr.  Peale,  it  was  observed  to  be  of  common  occurrence.  This  species 
is  larger  than  the  preceding,  and  with  the  plumage  of  the  upper  parts 
lighter  colored,  though  strictly  belonging  to  the  same  generic  group. 
It  much  resembles  Mr.  Gray's  figure,  as  above  cited,  and  is  about  the 
same  size,  but  of  the  species  there  represented,  S.  leucurua,  we  have 
no  specimens  for  comparison. 


8.  Gallinago  stekuba  {Temmimlc). 

Scohpax  iteHura,  TkMiM. 

Scolopax  Hbrsfieldii,  Gray,  111.  Ind.  Zool.  11  (name  on  plate,  1834). 

Scolopax  bklavata,  Hodgson,  Proc.  Zoul.  Soc.  London,  1837,  p.  491. 

Scolopax  pectenicai-  M,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Esp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  227  (Isted.  1848)/^ 

Gray,.  111.  Ind.  Zool.  II,  Plate  LIV. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  are  from  Singapore.  We  find  nothing 
in  tiie  notes  of  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  in  relation  to  this 
species. 

■  *  "  Size  and  general  appearance  analogous  to  the  foregoing  (<S>.  brasiliensis,  mageU 
fanicus,  and  avUralk),  the  tail-feathers  presenting  the  only  striking  peculiarity ;  they 
are  twenty-six  In  number,  the  eight  outer  shafts  on  each  side  having  very  narrow  webs, 
somewhat  w'.aened  at  the  ends ;  the  ground  color  of  the  head,  neck,  breast,  back,  and 
wing-covorts,  pale  ferruginous ;  two  stripes  of  brown  pass  over  the  crown,  and  another 
from  the  bill  to  the  eye;  neck-feathers  lineated  with  brown;  scapulars  lineated  rod 
barred  with  brown ;  lesser  wing-coverts  barred ;  under  wing-coverts  and  flanks  white, 
barred  \^'itb  black ;  primaries  brown,  first  longest ;  shafts  above  pale  brown,  beneath 
white ;  tail  tipped  with  white,  excepting  the  two  centre  feathers,  within  the  white  a  nar- 
row  durk  brown  band,  and  within  that  again,  the  eight  centre  feathers  have  a  broad 
ferruginous  band,  from  that  to  the  roots  all  are  brown,  the  outer  ones  being  lightest. 

"  Total  length,  ten  and  a  half  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  five  and  eight-tenths 
inches ;  bill,  two  and  six-tenths  inches ;  to  the  corner  of  the  mouth,  two  and  a  half 
inches;  tarsi,  one  and  three-tenths  inches;  middle  toe,  including  the  nail,  one  and 
eleven-twentieths  inches;  nail,  one-fourth  of  an  inch;  hind  toe,  half  an  inch ;  nail,  three- 
twentieths  of  an  inch ;  tail/  one  and  six-tenths  iu'^hss." 

n 


814 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


8.  Genus  LIM08A,  Brision,  Orn.  V,  p.  261  (1760). 

1.  LiMOSA  FEDOA  (Zrmn.). — The  Marbled  Godwit. 

Scolopax/edoa,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  244  (1766). 

Edwards,  Birds,  III,  Plate  CXXXVII;  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII, 
Plate  LVI;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCXXXVIII;  oct.  ed.  V,  Plate 
CCCXLVIII. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale  : 

"  Observed  on  the  northwest  coast  of  America,  at  Puget's  Sound, 
and  in  the  interior  of  Oregon  not  uncommon." 

Dr.  Pickering  also  mentions  this  bird  as  occurring  on  the  Sacra- 
mento River,  California,  in  September,  1841.  It  appears  to  be  one  of 
the  species  which  wanders  over  the  whole  of  temperate  North  America. 


2.  LiMOSA  NOV.*  zEALANDi.«:,  t?.  B.  Gmy. 

Limosa  novo;  zealandia,  G.  B.  Grav,  Yoy.  Erous  and  Terr.  Birds,  p.  13  (1845). 

Limosa  lapponi'ca,  var.  nova-  Zealand uf,  G.  B.  Gray,  ul  nupra. 

Limosa  Foxii,  Peale,  Zool.  Voy.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  231  (Ist  ed.  1848).* 

From  the  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  we  do  not 
feel  justified  in  deciding  on  the  absolute  identity  of  this  bird  with  Xi- 
mo'  ,  lapponica  (which  is  held  to  be  the  same  as  Limosa  ru/a,  and 

"*  "Less  than  Limosa  hudsonica.  Color  pale  tawny-brown,  lighter  beneath;  crown 
and  back  of  the  neck  mottled  with  uniber ;  breast  and  flankn  slightly  lineated ;  back- 
feathers  barred  with  umber;  the  wing-coverts  have  umber  centres,  and  light  tawny  mar- 
gins; primaries  and  spurious  wings  fuliginous;  first  quill  longest;  tail  light  tawny,  with 
eight  pale  umber  bars ;  it  consists  of  twelve  feathers ;  bill  slightly  turned  upwards, 
slender  towards  the  point,  and  dilated  at  the  tip ;  tip  black,  the  rest  reddish ;  legs  nearly 
black. 

"  Total  length,  fourteen  and  three-fourths  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  nine 
ftnd  two-tenths  inches;  tail,  three  inches;  bill,  two  and  ninctecu-twentieths  inches;  to 
the  corner  of  the  mouth,  three  and  one-tenth  inches  tarsi,  two  and  one-twentieth  inches ; 
middle  toe,  including  the  nail,  one  and  seven-twentieths  inches ;  nail,  one-fourth  of  an 
inch." 


GRALLATORES. 


815 


lemopTwea)^  but  it  is  assuredly  nearly  related  to  it.  It  is,  however, 
undoubtedly  the  bird  referred  to  by  Mr.  Gray,  in  the  Zoology  of  the 
Voyage  of  the  Erebus  and  Terror,  as  above. 

This  bird  was  obtained  at  Hose  Island,  one  of  the  Samoan  Group. 


4.  Genus  NUMENIUS,  Moehring,  Av.  Gen.  p.  74  (1752). 

1.  NuMENius  LONGiROSTRis,  Wileon. — The  Long>billed  Curlew. 

Numenius  ImgirostrU,  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  p.  23  (1814). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXIV,  fig.  4 ;  Vieill.  Gal.  II,  Plate 
CCXLV;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCXXXI;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLV. 


Observed,  and  specimens  obtained  in  Oregon  by  the  naturalists  of 
the  Expedition.  Mr.  Peale  states  that  this  bird  is  common  on  the 
prairies,  from  the  Columbia  River  to  California. 

Dr.  Pickering  mentions  this  bird  as  abundant  in  Oregon  in  the 
month  of  June,  1841.  "  Large  numbers,"  he  observes,  "  seem  to  have 
taken  up  their  residence  in  the  grassy  flats  and  plains,  and  undoubt- 
edly breed  here.  Its  note  is  a  sort  of  whistle,  not  unlike  the  word 
Curlew,  with  the  last  syllable  much  prolonged,  uttared  more  quickly, 
and  in  a  more  complaining  tone  when  the  bird  is  flying  overhead. 
In  one  instance,  during  a  rain,  I  noticed  this  bird  alighting  in  the  top 
of  a  tree,  frequently  repeating  its  note  ;  once,  also,  I  saw  it  attack  and 
chase  a  hawk,  which  retreated  q  <   9  precipitately. 

"  This  bird  reminds  me  of  the  Cayenne  Lapwing,  seen  in  South 
America,  and,  indeed,  the  scenery  here  is  not  unl'ke  the  plains  of 
Chili."  Subsequently,  in  the  month  of  October,  he  alludes  to  this 
bird  as  occurring  in  large  numbers  in  California. 


2.  Numenius  huijsonicus,  Latham. — The  Short-billed  Curlew. 

Numeniut  hudionicus,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  II,  p.  712  (1790). 
Scolopax  borealis.  WiLSON,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  p.  22  (1813). 
Numenius  rujiventris,  VlaoRS,  Zool.  Jour.  IV,  p.  856  (1829)  ? 


If"  mm 


316 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  Plate  LVI;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCXXXVII;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLVI. 

South  American  specimens  are  in  the  present  collection,  but  are  un- 
fortunately not  mature  birds.  So  far  as  we  can  judge  from  them,  this 
species  appears  to  be  correctly  regarded  by  authors  on  Peruvian  and 
Chilian  Ornithology  as  Numenius  hiidsonicus.  This  bird  wanders, 
apparently,  along  the  sea-coasts  of  both  divisions  of  the  continent  of 
America,  throughout  almost  its  entire  extent. 

The  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  were  killed  at 
the  Island  of  San  Lorenzo,  Peru,  in  the  month  of  June. 


3.  Nl.      ius  femoralis,  i^a?e. 

Numenius  femoralh,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  233  (Ist  ed.  1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXXVII.    Adult. 

N.  hudsonico  major,  siipra  pro/unde  umhrinus,  Uneis  obscure /ulvis,  sub- 
tU8  obscure  Jlavescene,  Uneis  aiigustis  fuscis.  Psnnia  tillalibua  seta 
longa  rujida  termiuatis.     Lang.  tot.  16  pollices. 

Form. — Rather  larger  than  N.  hudsontciis.  Bill  thick  at  the  base, 
moderately  curved ;  upper  mandible  deeply  grooved  in  front  of  the 
nostril.  Wing  long,  first  primary  longest;  tertiaries  long;  tail 
rather  short ;  legs  long ;  tibia  feathered  for  rather  more  than  half 
its  length,  all  the  feathers  of  which  terminate  in  long,  somewhat 
rigid  bristles.     Tarsus  long ;  toes  moderate. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  sixteen  inches;  wing, 
nine  and  one-fourth  inches ;  tail,  four  inches. 

Colors. — Upper  coverts  of  the  tail  dull  yellowish-white,  unspotted ; 
tail  yellowish-white,  tinged  with  fulvous,  and  having  about  six  or 
seven  transverse  narrow  bands  of  brownish-black.  Head  above,  with 
two  wide  stripes  of  dark  umber-brown  commencing  at  the  base  of  the 
bill,  and  uniting  on  the  occiput;  a  central  stripe  on  the  head,  and 


ORALLATORES. 


317 


another  through  and  behind  the  eye,  light  buff-color ;  throat,  neck 
before  and  behind,  and  entire  under  parts,  dull  yellowish-white  (or 
buff-color),  lightest  and  nearly  pure  white  on  the  throat,  darker  on 
th  abdomen,  neck,  and  breast,  with  narrow  longitudinal  lines  of 
brown ;  sides  and  flanks  with  some  transverse  bars  of  brown ;  abdo- 
men, tibiae,  and  under  tail-coverts,  unspotted.  Back,  rump,  and  wing- 
coverts,  dark  umber-brown,  nearly  every  feather  edged  and  spotted, 
especially  on  their  inner  webs,  with  dull  fulvous.  Quills  brownish- 
black,  with  their  shafts  white,  and  with  transverse  imperfect  bars  of 
ashy  white  on  their  inner  webs ;  bill,  with  the  upper  mandible  dark  ; 
lower  mandible  light;  legs  dark  ("pale  blue,"  Peale). 

Hab. — ^Vincennes  Island,  one  of  the  Paumotu  Group.  Specimen 
in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

The  most  remarkable  character  of  the  bird  here  described,  is  the 
singular  form  of  the  feathers  of  the  tibiae,  from  which  Mr.  Peale  has 
given  it  the  specific  name,  as  above.  The  plumage  of  the  upper  por- 
tion of  the  tibiae  is  rather  profuse  and  dense,  and  the  shaft  of  each 
feather  is  continued  beyond  the  end,  forming  a  long,  slender,  and  some- 
what rigid  hair  or  bristle.  This  character  is  constant  in  all  the  spe- 
cimens in  the  collection,  and  is  one  which  we  have  failed  to  detect  in 
any  other  species  of  which  we  have  specimens  or  descriptions. 

The  present  bird  appears  to  be  a  smaller  species  than  Numenius 
tahiticne  (Gmelin).  It  belongs  to  the  group  or  subgenus  of  the  smaller 
Curlews,  of  which  Numenius  hudsonicus  and  Numenius  phoeopus  are 
the  best-known  species,  and  to  them  and  others  of  the  group,  it  bears 
a  general  resemblance.  It  is  quite  different  from  the  bird  regarded  by 
us  as  K.  tahiticus,  in  the  collection  made  by  the  United  States  Expe- 
dition to  Japan,  and  figured  in  our  article  on  Birds,  in  the  Report,  by 
Commodore  Perry,  vol.  II,  PI.  III. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  of  this  species : 

"  There  does  not  appear  to  be  any  difference  in  the  plumage  of  the 
two  sexes,  unless  it  be  a  slightly  stronger  ferruginous  tint  in  the  males. 
When  flying,  the  pale  buff  tail-coverts,  and  lightxjolored  tail,  form  a 
consp;cuou8  distinguishing  character,  and  when  killed,  the  remarkable 
form  of  the  feathers  on  the  thighs,  which  terminate  in  long  bristles;  a 
peculiarity  which  exists  in  all  our  specimens. 

"  They  were  abundant  on  Vincennes  Island,  one  of  the  Paumotu 

80 


i'^* 


•i}.     N.ih 


*iiit 


it' 


m 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Group,  in  the  month  of  September,  when  they  had  become  exceedingly 
fat  by  feeding  on  the  berries  of  a  species  of  Ganthium,  then  very  plenty. 
They  were  rather  tame,  and  uttered  a  clear  plaintive  whistle,  when 
flushed." 

This  is  one  of  the  most  remarkable  birds  discovered  during  the 
voyage  of  the  Expedition.  It  is  represented  in  our  plate,  cited  above, 
of  the  size  of  life. 


5.  Genus  TOTANUS,  Bcchstem,  Ornith.  Tasoh.  p.  282  (1802). 
1.  ToTANUS  ocEANicus,  Lesson. 

Totanu$  oceankvs,  Lesson,  Comp.  aux  OJuv.  do  Buff.  p.  244  (1847). 
Totanm  polynesM,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  237  (1848). 
Tolanut  pulverukntm,  31uLLER,  YcrhandclingeD,  p.  153  (1814)? 
Scolopax  undulata,  Forster,  Disc.  An.  p.  173  (1844). 
Totanut  fuliginogus,  Gould,  Voy.  Beagle,  Birds,  p.  130  (1841)  ? 

Temm.  and  Schleg.  Faun.  Japon.  Birds,  Plate  LXV  ? 

Of  this  species,  specimens  from  various  islands  in  the  Pacific  are  in 
the  collection,  and  though  they  vary  somewhat  in  size,  do  not,  to  us, 
present  any  reliable  distinctive  characters.  Nearly  all  of  them  are  in 
immature  plumage,  but  several  specimens  are  very  nearly  as  described 
by  Lesson  in  his  notice  of  this  species,  as  above  cited. 

Those  having  the  appearance  of  the  more  mature  plumage,  are  as 
follows :  Entire  upper  parts,  neck  before,  breast,  and  sides,  dark  lead- 
colored,  uniform,  and  without  white  marks ;  throat,  middle  of  the 
abdomen,  ventral  region,  and  under  tail-coverts,  white.  Under  wing- 
coverts  white,  spotted,  and  barred  with  dark  lead-color.  A  stripe  of 
white  running  from  the  base  of  the  bill  over  the  eye ;  lores  dark  ashy 
brown ;  eye  inclosed  in  a  narrow  circle  of  white.  Quills  dark  brown  ; 
shaft  of  the  first  primary  white  on  its  upper  surface ;  shafts  of  other 
primaries  reddish-brown  (on  their  upper  surfaces),  and  of  all  on  their 
under  surfaces  white.  Tail  lead-colored,  uniform  with  the  upper  parts 
of  the  body ;  shafts  of  the  tail-feathers  lead-colored  above,  white  be- 
neath. Wings  long,  pointed,  first  primary  longest ;  secondaries  short, 
truncate,  emarginate ;  tertiaries  long ;  tarsi  and  toes  rather  short ; 
tibia  feathered  for  about  two-thirds  of  its  length. 


QRALLATORES. 


319 


Total  length,  about  ten  and  a  htilf  inches ;  wing,  six  and  a  half 
inches  ;  tail,  three  and  one-fourth  inches. 

Younger  birds  have  the  pUimage  of  the  upper  parts  as  above,  but 
the  entire  under  parts  are  transversely  barred  with  white  and  dark 
ashy  brown,  the  latter  color  predominating  on  the  sides  and  flanks. 
Throat  and  middle  of  the  abdomen  nearly  pure  white. 

This  species  can  scarcely  be  distinguished  from  Totanus  pulveru- 
lentus,  Miiller,  if  it  is  not  absolutely  identical.  The  only  appreciable 
difference  that  we  can  perceive,  is  the  slightly  darker  color  of  the  pre- 
sent bird,  as  pointed  out  by  Lesson,  as  above,  and  by  Pucheran,  in 
Guerin's  Revue  et  Magasin  de  Zoologie,  1851,  p.  571,  with  reference 
to  this  bird,  and  to  the  species  immediately  succeeding. 

From  the  succeeding  bird,  the  present  differs  only  in  being  some- 
what larger.  We  are  not  without  a  suspicion  that  the  conclusion  of  the 
learned  authors  of  the  Fauna  Japonica  (in  article  on  T.  pulvendentua, 
Aves,  p.  109),  is  correct.  They  regard  this  bird  and  the  next  as  one 
species. 

The  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  from  the 
Feejee,  Tahiti,  and  the  Samoan  Group.  Recently,  this  bird  has  been 
found  inhabiting  Northwestern  America,  having  been  sent  to  the  Na- 
tional Museum  in  the  very  interesting  collection  made  by  Dr.  J.  G. 
Cooper,  who  w^as  attached  as  naturalist  and  surgeon  to  the  party  com- 
manded by  Gov.  I.  I.  Stevens,  which  surveyed  the  most  northern 
proposed  route  for  a  railroad  to  the  Pacific  Ocean.  Dr.  Cooper's  spe- 
cimens were  obtained  in  Washington  Territory. 


2.  Totanus  brevipes,  Vieilht. 

Totanxi»  brevipes,  ViEiLL.  Nouv.  Diet.  VI,  p.  410  (1816) ;  PucHERAN,  Rev,  et  Mag. 
Zool.  1850,  p.  370. 

Totanus  pedestris,  Less.  Traite,  I,  p.  52  (1831). 

Totanus  griseopyijius,  GoULD,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1848,  p.  39  ? 

Siohpax padjlca,  Foester,  Desc.  An.  p.  174  (1844). 


4m 


Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  V,  Plate  XXXVIII? 


The  specimens  that,  we  regard  as  this  species,  are  from  the  Paumotu 
Group,  and  are  in  the  plain  unspotted  plumage,  very  similar  to  that 
of  the  preceding  species.     We  cannot  distinguish  them  from  speci- 


1)| 


820 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


mens  before  us,  from  Mr.  Gould's  collection,  of  his  Totanua  griseopy- 
gius,  except  by  a  slight  difference  in  size,  and  they  are  identical  with 
others  in  the  museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  from  the  collec- 
tion of  the  Duke  of  Rivoli,  and  labelled  Totanua  hrevipea.  It  may  be 
regarded  as  very  probable  that  the  present  bird  and  the  preceding  are 
specifically  identical,  and  that  all  the  names  given  are  synonymous. 
Specimens  in  the  collection  are  in  good  preservation. 


3.  ToTANUs  MELANOLEUcus  {Qmelin). — The  Greater  Yellow-shanks 

Snipe. 

Scolopax  melanoleuca,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  659  (1788). 
Scolopax  voci/erut,  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  p.  57  (1818). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  Plate  LVIII,  fig.  5 ;  And.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCVIII;  oct.  ed.  V,  Plate  CCCXLV. 

Mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  under  date  of  3d  of  September,  1841, 
on  the  Sacramento  River,  Culifomia. 


4.  ToTANFS  MACULARiDS  (ZtnnaeM*) .— The  Spotted  Sandpiper. 
Tringa  macularia,  Linn.  Sjst.  Nat.  I,  p.  249  (1766). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LIX,  fig.  1 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCX;  oct.  ed.  V,  Plate  CCCXLII. 

Mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  occurring  in  Oregon,  and  subse- 
quently under  date  of  29th  of  August,  1841,  on  the  Sacramento  River, 
California.  This  species,  and  that  immediately  preceding,  are  com- 
mon birds  of  the  coaat  of  the  Atlantic,  and  probably  inhabit  the  entire 
intermediate  country  to  the  Pacific  Ocean. 


ORALLATORES. 


321 


6.  Genus  TRINGA,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  247  (1706). 

1.  Tringa  parvirostris,  Peale. 

Tringa  parviroitrit,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  235  (1st  ed.  1848). 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXXVIII,  fig.  2.    Adult. 

Roetw  brevi,  recto,  supra  nmbrina,  lineie  pallide  cinereis  et  rubescente- 
/ulvia,  eubtus  cinerascente-alba,  vittia  angttsiia  transveraia  profunde 
fuacia.     Long.  tot.  7i  pollvcea. 

Bill  short,  straight,  slender ;  wings  long,  first,  second,  and  third  quills 
very  nearly  equal ;  tertiaries  but  little  longer  than  the  secondaries  ; 
tail  rather  long,  wide,  rounded ;  legs  and  toes  long,  the  former  ro- 
bust; tibia  feathered  for  more  than  half  its  length.  A  distinct 
stripe  over  and  behind  the  eye  ashy  white.  Entire  upper  parts 
umber-brown,  unspotted  on  the  top  of  the  head,  but  on  other  upper 
parts  edged  and  tipped  with  ashy  white  and  reddish-fulvous.  Tail- 
feathers  umber-brown,  with  irregular  and  imperfect  transverse  nr 
row  bands  of  ashy  and  pale  reddish-white,  and  tipped  with  the 
same.  Under  parts  white,  with  a  tinge  of  ashy ;  throat  and  middle 
of  the  abdomen  unspotted ;  breast,  sides,  and  under  coverts  of  the 
tail,  spotted,  and  with  irregular  transverse  bars  of  brown,  the  latter 
(bars)  most  apparent  on  the  sides,  flanks,  and  under  coverts  of  the 
tail.  Inferior  coverts  of  the  wing  ashy  white,  irregularly  spotted 
with  brown.  Bill  greenish,  darker  at  the  tip ;  legs  dark  green. 
"  Irides  dark  brown"  (Peale.)  Sexes  very  nearly  alike,  female 
slightly  paler. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  about  seven  and  a  half  inches ; 
wing,  four  and  one-fourth  inches ;  tail,  two  and  a  half  inches ;  "  extent 
of  wings,  thirteen  and  a  half  inches"  (Peale). 

Hab. — Paumotu  Islands.    Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington  City. 

This  remarkable  species,  which  appears  only  to  have  been  noticed 
by  the  naturalists  of  the  Exploring  Expedition,  may  be  distinguished 

SI 


I 


yi 


mi 


322 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


at  once  from  any  other  species  known  to  us,  by  its  small  and  slender 
bill.  The  legs  and  feet  are,  however,  strong  and  fully  developed,  and 
the  tail  unusually  long  and  wide. 

Several  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  very  simi- 
lar to  each  other  in  their  colors  and  other  characters,  differing  only 
slightly  in  the  shade  of  the  brown  color  of  the  upper  parts,  and  in  the 
greater  or  less  prevalence  of  the  brown  spots  and  bars  on  the  under 
parts.  In  dimensions  they  agree  almost  exactly.  Our  description  is 
from  the  most  mature  specimens ;  in  others,  the  brown  spots  of  the 
breast  are  more  numerous,  and  extend  further  downwards,  but  in  all, 
the  throat  and  middle  of  the  abdomen  are  white,  as  described  above. 

To  this  bird,  Mr.  Peale  alludes  as  follows: 

"  Found  in  considerable  abundance  on  Dog  Island,  one  of  the  Pau- 
motu  Group,  on  the  2l8t  of  August.  At  that  time  they  had  both  eggs 
and  young,  and  were  so  tame  as  almost  to  allow  themselves  to  be 
taken  by  hand.  They  had  a  plaintive,  wailing  note,  and  alighted 
indiscriminately  on  bushes  or  on  the  ground.  Their  eggs  were  found 
in  slight  nests,  constructed  of  pieces  of  broken  corals  and  shells,  on  the 
ground,  and  are  large  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  bird,  much 
pointed  at  one  end,  and  large  at  the  other,  of  a  pale  brown  ochre-color, 
spotted  with  sooty-black. 

"  Subsequently,  this  bird  was  observed  at  Raraka,  another  island  of 
the  same  group,  but  was  not  so  plentiful." 

This  singular  little  bird  has  the  bill  unusually  short  and  straight, 
though  it  otherwise  presents  the  characters  of  the  genus  Tringa.  It 
is  very  probably  entitled  to  a  distinct  generic  or  subgeneric  designa- 
tion. Specimens  in  the  collection  are  in  good  condition  and  mature 
plumage. 

Our  plate  represents  this  bird  of  the  natural  size,  and  was  prepared 
from  a  specimen  which  we  regard  as  an  adult  male. 


7.  Genus  STBEPSILA8,  llHger,  ProdromuB,  p.  263  (1811). 

1.  Strepsilas  interpbes  {Linn.). — The  Turnstone. 
Trinya  interpret,  LiNN,  SjBt.  Nat.  I,  p.  248  (1706). 


Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  Plate  LVII,  fig.  1  j  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCIV;  oct.  ed.  V,  Plate  CCCXXIII. 


ORALLATORES. 


323 


This  little  bird  is  one  of  the  very  few  species  that  appear  to  be  at 
home  in  all  the  sea-coasts  of  the  temperate  and  tropical  regions  of  the 
globe.  Minute  and  careful  comparison  of  specimens  from  various  lo- 
calities widely  distant  from  each  other,  facilities  for  which  are  afforded 
in  the  collection  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  and  that  of  the  Expe- 
dition, have  resulted  in  the  detection  of  no  appreciable  difference 
whatever. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale  : 

"  This  species  was  found  common  on  many  of  the  islands  of  the 
Pacitic  Ocean,  north  and  south  of  the  Equator,  but  none  were  seen  in 
full  plumage,  and  all  appeared  to  be  migrating.  At  Mathew's  Island, 
one  of  the  Kingsmill  Group,  near  the  Equator,  it  was  seen  in  large 
flocks  on  the  24th  of  April.  Nine  specimens  were  killed  at  a  single 
discharge  from  a  small  fowling-piece,  and  they  were  found  to  be  ex- 
ceedingly fat. 

"  The  specimen  exhibited  in  the  National  Gallery,  was  killed  at 
Callao,  Peru,  in  the  month  of  June.  It  is  a  female,  and  has  but  a  few 
ferruginous  and  black  spots  on  the  scapulars." 

In  addition  to  the  specimen  from  Peru,  mentioned  by  Mr.  Peale, 
there  is  another  in  the  collection  labelled  as  from  the  Feejee  Islands. 
This  bird  is  mentioned  also  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  occurring  at  various 
localities,  including  nearly  all  points  visited  by  the  Expedition  in 
North  and  South  America,  and  in  the  islands  of  the  Pacific  Ocean. 


8.  Genus  PHALAROPUS,  Briiion,  Orn.  VI,  p.  12  (1760). 


1.  Phalaropus  hyperbobeus  {Linn.). — The  Northern  Phalarope. 
Tringa  hyperhorea  et  lobata,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  249  (1766). 


Bonap.  Am.  Orn.  IV,  Plate  XXV,  fig.  2 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCXV;  oct.  ed.  V,  Plate  CCCXL. 


Mentioned  by  both  Mr.  Peale  and  Dr.  Pickering,  as  having  been 
freqiiently  observed  in.  Oregon. 
The  former  observes : 
"  Common  in  Oregon.    Our  specimen  was  obtained  on  the  Willa- 


324 


OBNITHOLOQY. 


mette  River.  It  was  shot  while  swimming  lightly  on  the  water,  and 
throwing  its  head  frequently  forward,  like  some  species  of  geese. 

"  Large  flocks  of  Phalaropes  were  seen  about  midway  between  the 
Sandwich  Islands  and  the  Columbia  River.  Their  flight  was  wild 
and  swift,  and  they  frequently  alighted  on  the  surface  of  the  sea.  At 
a  distance  they  resembled  this  species,  but  none  allowed  the  ship  to 
approach  sufficiently  near  to  ennble  us  to  feel  certain  of  their  identity." 

Dr.  Pickering  notes  the  occurrence  of  this  bird  also  on  the  Sacra- 
mento River,  California. 


9.  Gbnus  RECURVIROSTRA,  Linnaeu$,  Syst.  Nut.  I,  p.  256  (1766). 
1.  Recurvirostra  AMERICANA,  QmeUii. — The  American  Avocet. 

Ruwvirottra  americana,  Om.  Syat.  Nat.  I,  p.  693  (1788). 

Wilson,  Am.  Om.  VII,  Plate  LXIII,  fig.  2 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCXVIII ;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLIII. 

Noticed  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  in  Oregon  and  Cali- 
fornia. 

Mr.  Peale  states  that  this  bird  is  "not  uncommon  in  Oregon,  and  is 
common  in  California.  Young  birds  have  the  head,  back  of  the  neck, 
and  part  of  the  scapulars,  pale  cinereous."  The  young  of  this  species 
he  regards  as  identical  with  that  immediately  succeeding,  in  which 
conclusion,  however,  we  do  not  coincide.  • 


2.  Recurvirostra  occidentalis,  Viyors. — The  White  Avocet. 

Recurvirostra  occidentalis,  ViaoRS,  Zool.  Jour.  IV,  p.  356  (1829). 

Voy.  Blossom,  Birds,  Plate  XII ;  Cossin,  B.  of  Cal.  and  Texas,  I, 
Plate  XL. 

Mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  occurring  in  Oregon. 

This  bird  is  easily  recognized  and  distinguished  from  the  preceding, 
by  the  pure  white  plumage  of  the  head  and  tlie  greater  portion  of  the 
body.    It  is  now  a  well-known  species  of  Western  North  America. 


QRALLATORES. 


325 


10.  Obnus  HIMANTOPUS,  Briuon,  Orn.  V,  p.  88  (1760). 
1.  HiMANTOPUS  NIGBICOLLIS,  VteUlot. — The  Stilt. 

Himantopui  nigrxcollit,  ViEiLi..  Nov.  Diot.  X,  p.  42  (1817). 
Charadriut  himantopui,  LiNN.  Syat.  Nat.  I,  p.  255  (1766). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  Plate  LVIII,  fig.  2;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCXXVIII ;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLIV. 

Mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering,  under  date  of  25th  of  August,  1841,  as 
occurring  on  the  Sacramento  River,  California. 


5.  Family  CHABADRIAD^.— The  Plovers. 
1.  Genus  CHARADRIUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  253  (1766). 
\.  Chabadrius  xanthocheilus,  Waghr. 

Charadriui  xanthocheilut,  Waoler,  Sjst.  Av.  (Charadrius,  sp.  36)  1827. 
CharadriHi /uhu$,  Om.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  687  ? 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  V,  Plate  XIII. 

Specimens  from  the  Feejee  and  Samoan  Islands  are  identical  with 
the  Australian  bird  which  Mr.  Gould  has  figured  and  described  in 
Birds  of  Australia,  as  cited  above.  All  in  the  present  collection  are 
unfortunately  in  immature  plumage,  though  several  of  them  have  the 
under  parts  so  much  spotted  with  black,  as  to  leave  no  doubt  that  in 
the  adult  bird  those  parts  are  of  that  color. 

This  is  one  of  the  species  so  nearly  related  to  Gharadrivs  pluvialisy 
and  resembling  also  in  general  appearance  Squatardla  helvetica,  as  to 
be  only  distinguished  with  difficulty  in  several  stages  of  plumage. 
The  young  of  this  bird  strongly  resembles  the  species  first  mentioned, 
but  both,  with  their  under  parts  glossy  block,  show  great  relationship 
to  the  last.     Though  we  adopt  the  views  of  Mr.  Gould,  in  referring 

»2 


S26 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


this  bii'd  to  Gharadnua  xanthocheilue,  Wagler,  it  is  in  a  great  measure 
because  we  at  present  are  acquainted  with  no  other  species  from  the 
Southern  Islands  in  the  Pacific  Ocean  to  which  this  description  can 
be  applied,  and  not  on  account  of  any  especial  application  of  Wagler's 
description  to  this  bird. 

One  specimen  from  the  Hawaiian  Islands,  in  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition,  appears  to  be  Charadriua  fulvus,  Gmelin.  It  is,  like  those 
above  alluded  to,  in  imperfect  plumage,  nnd  its  only  peculiarity  is  a 
more  uniform  brown  color  on  the  breast  and  neck  before ;  in  other  re- 
spects it  is  similar,  and  we  do  not  regard  it  as  a  distinct  species. 

Under  date  of  November  13th,  1841,  at  sea,  between  the  coast  of 
California  and  the  Sandwich  Islands,  Dr.  Pickering  alludes  to  this 
species  as  follows : 

"  A  Golden  Plover,  which  had  been  noticed  flying  around  the  ship, 
came  on  board  towards  evening  and  was  captured.  It  was  greatly 
fatigued,  and  evidently  much  out  of  its  course,  as  we  were  nearly  five 
hundred  miled  to  the  eastward  of  the  Island  of  Oahu.  As  it  came 
on  board  voluntarily,  this  circumstance  was  regarded  as  conclusive 
evidence  of  the  non-existence  of  land  in  this  vicinity.  In  this  speci- 
men, the  whitish  band  extending  through  the  frontlet  and  over  each 
eye,  appeared  to  me  as  unusually  distinct." 

Dr.  Pickering  again  mentions  this  bird  as  being  noticed  flying 
around  the  vessels  of  the  squadron,  on  the  22d  of  December,  at  sea, 
some  degrees  west  c ".  the  Sandwich  Islands.  It  is  evidently  widely 
diffused,  and  performs  very  extensive  migrations. 


2.  Gbnub  SQUATAROLA,  Cuvitr,  Reg.  An.  I,  p.  467  (1817). 

1.  Squatarola  helvetica  {Linn.). — The  Black-bellied  Plover. 

Tringa  helvetica  et  tquatarola,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  250,  252  (1766). 
Charadriut  aprtcariut,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  254  (1766). 

Wilson,  Am.   Orn.   VII,   Plate  LVII;    Aud.   B.  of   Am.   Plate 
CCCXXXIV ;  octavo  ed.  V,  Plate  CCCXV. 

In  the  collection  we  find  a  specimen  of  this  species  from  California ; 
and  Dr.  Pickering  records  its  occurrence  in   both  that  country  and 


aRALLATOBES. 


327 


Oregon.    It  is  widely  di£fused,  being  given  by  Mr.  Gould  as  a  bird  uf 
Australia. 


8.  Genus  HIATICULA,  Moehring,  Av.  Gen.  p.  75  (1752). 
1.  HuTicuLA  vociFERA  {Unn.). — The  Killdeer. 

thuradriut  voei/erut  et  torquatus,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  pp.  258,  256  (1766). 
Charadriu$jamuicen$i$,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  685  (1788). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  Plate  LIX ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCXXV ; 
octavo  ed.  V,  Plate  CCCXVII. 

This  strongly  marked  and  well-known  bird  appears  to  inhabit  the 
whole  of  Noilh  America  except  the  Arctic  regions,  and  is  at  least  a 
winter  visitor  to  the  southern  division  also  of  this  continent.  Dr. 
Pickering  notices  this  bird  as  having  been  observed  in  Oregon  and  in 
California,  more  abundantly  in  the  latter  country.  One  specimen  in 
the  collection  was  obtained  in  the  vicinity  of  Callao,  Peru,  which, 
though  apparently  strictly  identical  with  the  northern  species,  Mr. 
Peale  states,  "  had  the  eyelids  yellow  when  fresh,  aud  not  red  like 
the  northern  birds,  a  difference  arising  probably  from  age."  We  can 
detect  no  material  differences  in  specimens  from  North  and  South 
America. 

Dr.  Pickering  mentions  this  bird  as  especially  abundant  on  the 
Sacramento  River,  California,  in  the  month  of  September,  and  pre- 
viously at  Puget  Sound,  Oregon,  in  the  month  of  June,  1841. 


2.   HlATICULA  FALKLANDIGA  {Latham). 

Charadriui  faiklandicut,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  II,  p.  ri7  (1790). 
Chiradriu*  annuligerut,  Waoler,  Syst.  Av.  (rot  paged,  1827). 
Charadriui  trifatciatut,  LiCHT.  Verz.  p.  71  (1328)? 

Portlock's  Voyage,  Plate  at  page  36. 

One  specimen  from  Patagonia,  which,  though  apparently  in  young 


11 


1^  ■'^■i-. 


328 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


plumage,  is  the  species  alluded  to  in  the  descriptions  by  Latham  and 
Wagler,  cited  above.  It  appears  to  be  rather  a  common  bird  of 
Western  South  America. 


3.   HiATICULA  FUSCA  (Oould). 

Squatarola  fuKa,  OouLD,  Voy.  Beagle,  Birds,  p.  126  (1841). 
Charadritu  rubecola,  King,  Zool.  Jour.  lY,  p.  96  (1828)  ? 

From  Tierra  del  Fuego.  Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expe- 
dition, and  in  that  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  have  to  us  the  ap- 
pearance of  young  birds,  though  undoubtedly  the  species  described  by 
Mr.  Gould,  as  above ;  Gharadriua  rvhecola,  King,  may  be  the  adult  of 
this  bird,  and,  judging  from  the  description,  it  is  approached  by  one 
specimen  in  the  present  collection,  in  which  the  wide  pectoral  band 
assumes  a  light  rufous  color.  It  has  also  some  indications  of  the  black 
subpectoral  band  as  described  originally,  as  above  cited. 

Though  we  have  little  doubt  that  the  birds  here  alluded  to  are 
identical,  and  that  the  names  above  cited  are  synonymes,  neither  of 
them  is,  by  any  possibility,  identical  with  Vanellua  cinctvs,  Lesson,  Voy. 
Coquille,  Fl.  XLIII,  as  has  been  supposed  by  several  ornithologists. 
Of  the  last  bird,  specimens  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Philadelphia 
Academy. 


4.  Gbnus  SARCIOPHORUS,  Strickland,  Proc.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1841,  p.  32. 
1.   SARCIOPHOBUS  TRICOLOR  (FmVfo/). 


Charadriui  tricolor,  Vieili.  Ncuv.  Diet.  XXVII,  p.  147  (1818). 
"  Charadriui  pecloralit,  Ccv.  Mus.  Paris,"  Wagler  Syst  Av.  (1827). 
Charadriu$  vanelloide*,  Pbale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  240  (1st  ed.  1848).*" 

*  "  In  general  aspect  and  habits,  like  the  <  Spar-wing  Plovers'  of  South  Amorioa  and 
Australia  (  Vanellui  Caymtit  and  Gallinaveua),  but  not  much  more  than  half  their  size. 
Crown,  suborbital  stripe,  and  breast,  black ;  auricular  stripe,  throat,  belly,  thighs,  and 
tail-coverts,  white;  back  yellowish-brown,  very  pale  on  the  back  part  of  the  neck,  and 
darkening  towards  the  ends  of  the  scapulais,  which  are  very  long,  and  towards  the  ends 
of  the  greater  wing-coverts,  which  are  nsarly  black,  the  whole  glossed  with  delicate  pur- 


GRALLA  TORES. 

Gould,  Birds  of  Aust.  VI,  Plate  XI. 


329 


Specimens  of  this  well-known  bird  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedi- 
tion were  obtained,  according  to  Mr.  Peale,  "  in  the  district  of  Argyle, 
New  South  Wales.  They  were  not  plentiful,"  he  continues,  "  and 
seemed  to  prefer  drier  ground  than  the  Spur-wing  Plover  ( Vamllut 
gaUinaceue),  of  Jardine  and  Selby,  which  is  supposed  to  be  the  Wat- 
tled Sandpiper  of  Latham,  a  common  bird  in  moist  meadows  of  the 
same  district  of  country." 


5.  Genus  ESACUS,  Lesson,  Traite  d'Orn.  I,  p.  547  (1831). 
1.  ESACCS  MAGNIROSTRIS  (Temm.). 
(Edicnemiu  magnirottrit,  Temm.  PI.  Col.  V,  p.  (Ht.  65,  about  1824). 

Temm.  PI.  Col.  387. 

Specimens  from  the  Island  of  Mangsi. 

Mr.  Peale  says  of  this  bird : 

"  It  is  common  in  the  Philippine  and  Sooloo  Islands,  where  we  saw  it 
frequently.  The  two  sexes  are  alike  in  size  and  plumage,  they  are  not 
gregarious,  but  are  usually  seen  in  pnlvi?,  or  solitary.  This  species  has 
all  the  habits  and  even  the  shrill  voii  ''  the  Oyster-catchers  (Genus 
Hcematopus),  and  like  them,  it  frequeni.^  only  the  shores  where  the 
water  is  salt,  probing  the  sand  and  gravel  beacli<'-  tor  crustacea,  which 
seem  to  constitute  the  principal  part  of  its  food." 

pie;  wings  having  a  rudimentary  spur  on  the  carpal  joint,  and  another,  smaller,  uu  the 
next  joint ;  the  first  naked,  the  second  covered  by  the  feathers ;  they  are  of  a  dark  sepii' 
brown  color,  lighter  beneath  ;  under  coverts  white;  secondaries  white,  with  hiack  tips  ; 
greater  coverts  dark  brown,  tipped  with  white ;  tail  slightly  rounded,  consist .  ng  of  twelve 
feathers,  white,  with  a  black  band  near  the  tip ;  bill  and  eyelids  pale  yellow ;  irides 
yellow ;  wattle  in  front  of  the  eye  lake  red ;  legs  lake  red,  with  sooty  scales. 

"Total  length,  eleven  inches;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  seven  and  ninr  tths 
inches;  bill,  seventeeu-twenticths  of  an  inch ;  to  the  corners  of  the  mouth,  J  one- 

tenth  inches;  tarsi,  one  and  seven-tenths  inches;  middle  toe,  including  tUu  uail,  one 
inch ;  nail,  one-fourth  of  an  inch ;  tail,  three  and  three-tenths  inches. 

"  The  two  sexes  are  nearly  alike  in  size  and  plumage,  the  male  being  somewhat  darker 
in  color,  and  having  the  richer  purple  gloss." 

83 


■''^m 


330 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


We  observe  nothing  peculiar  in  the  specimens  before  us,  from  the 
collection  of  the  Expedition,  and  they  are  apparently  exactly  identical 
with  others  from  various  Asiatic  localities.  They  are  in  mature  plu- 
mage. 


6.  Genus  HAEiVIATOPUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  257  (1706). 

1.  Haematopus  palliatus,  Temminck. — The  American 
Oyster-catcher. 

ITaemctopus palliatut,  Temm.  Man.  d'Orn.  II,  p.  .532  (1820). 
HaenMtoput  brasiltensis,  LiOHT.  Verz.  p.  73  (1823). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXIV,  fig.  2;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCXXIII;  oct.  ed.  V,  Plate  CCCXXIV ;  Jard.  and  Selby,  111.  of  Orn. 
new  series,  I,  Plate  VII. 

Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  from  the  coasts  of 
Brazil  and  Peru,  are  precisely  identical  with  the  bird  of  the  Atlantic 
coast  of  the  United  States.  Mr.  Peale  mentions  that  this  species  was 
not  noticed  on  the  Pacific  coast  of  North  America. 


2.  Haematopus  niger,  Gavier. — The  Black  Oyster-catcher. 

Haemaloptu  niger,  Cuvier,  Regne  Animal,  I,  p.  4G9  (1817). 
Hacmatopm  aier,  ViEiLL.  Gal.  des.  Ois.  II,  p.  88,  PI.  C(LXXX  (1825). 
Baematoput  Townfndii,  Aud.  Orn.  Biog.  V,  p.  247  (1839). 


Quoyand  Gaim.  Voy.  Uranie,  Birds,  I'lite  XXXIV;  A"d.  B. 
Am.  Plate  CCCCXXVII,  fig.  3  ;  oct.  ed.  V,  Plate  CCCXXVI. 


This  species  is  noticed  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  as  hav- 
ing been  observed  in  abundance  at  Orange  Bay,  Tierra  del  Fuego,  and 
on  the  coast  of  Chili.  Young  birds,  according  to  Mr.  Peale,  have  all 
the  feathers  tipped  with  rufous. 

If  this  bird  v/as  obtained  in  Oregon  by  Dr.  Townsend,  it  inhabits 
nearly  the  entire  western  coast  of  the  continent  of    ^  meiica,  but  of 


0RALLAT0RE8. 


331 


this  there  is  no  evidence,  Mr.  Audubon  merely  stating  that  it  came  in 
Dr.  Townsend's  collection.  He  says,  however,  that  he  had  seen  other 
specimens  from  California.  Dr.  Townsend  does  not  gi"e  this  species 
in  his  list  of  birds  in  the  Narrative  of  his  Journey. 


8.  Haematopds  Bachmani,  Aud%ibon. — Bachman's  Oyster-catcher. 
Haemalopus  Bachmani,  AuD.  Orn.  Biog.  V,  p.  245  (1839). 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCCXXVII,  fig.  1 ;  octavo  edition,  V,  Plate 
CCCXXV. 

Observed,  and  specimens  obtained  at  Puget  Sound,  Oregon.  This 
species  is  in  some  respects  similar  to  that  immediately  preceding,  but 
is  smaller,  and  otherwise  quite  distinct.  It  appears  to  be  exclusively 
North  American. 

Under  date  of  29th  of  July,  1841,  at  Puget  Sound,  this  bird  is 
alluded  to  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  follows  : 

"  A  dark-colored  Haematopus,  very  similar  to  a  species  seen  by  us 
in  Chili,  is  of  frequent  occurrence  here.  Mr.  Case  has  obtained  the 
egg,  as  he  felt  quite  assured  from  having  noticed  the  birds  in  the  im- 
mediate vicinity,  and  apparently  the  parents.  It  is  rather  smaller 
than  that  of  a  hen,  and  more  spherical,  of  a  dirty  white  or  pale  brown 
color,  with  numerous  small  blackish  spots.  It  was  found  on  a  rock 
on  the  northern  shore  of  the  Straits,  with  a  few  sticks  and  grasses 
thrown  together,  scarcely  to  be  called  a  nest." 


mi\ 


332 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


5.  Order  NATATORES.— The  Swimming  Birds. 

1.  Fahilt  ANATIDiG.—The  Ducks,  Geese,  ko. 

1.  Genus  PHOENICOPTERUS,  Linn.  Sy»t.  Nat.  I,  p.  280  (1766). 

1.  PnoENicoPTERUS  CHiLENSis,  Molina, 

PhoenicopUrut  ehilenttt,  MoLlNA,  Sagg.  Stor.  Nat.  Chili,  p.  208  (2d  ed.  1810). 
Photnicoptenu  iynipallialui,  Qtoft,  et  D'Obb.  Mag.  de  Zool.  1888  (not  paged). 

Gray's  Genera  of  Birds,  III,  Plate  CLXIII ;  Guerin's  Mag.  de  Zool. 
1833,  Ois.  Plate  II. 

This  handsome  species  of  Flamingo  appears  to  be  peculiar  to  the 
western  countries  of  South  America,  and  is  especially  numerous  in 
Chili,  from  which  country  it  is  brought  in  nearly  all  collections.  From 
the  species  inhabiting  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  occasionally  visiting 
Florida  {Phoetticopterua  ruber,  Linn.),  it  is  readily  distinguishable  by 
its  comparatively  pale  colors,  which,  in  fact,  assimilate  it  much  more 
greatly  with  the  Flamingo  of  the  Old  World  {P/ioenioopterus  antiquo- 
rum,  Temm.).  It  is  one  of  several  instances  of  birds  inhabiting  the 
western  countries  of  the  Continent  of  America,  which  bear  greater  re- 
semblance to  species  of  Western  Europe,  than  others  of  the  same  or 
nearly  allied  genera  found  in  Eastern  America. 

One  of  the  most  interesting  of  the  specimens  of  this  species  in  the 
present  collection,  is  that  of  a  young  bird,  the  plumage  of  which  differs 
in  some  points  from  that  of  the  adult,  and  of  which  we  append  a  de- 
scription :  Head,  neck,  and  under  parts  of  body,  white,  with  a  tinge 
of  brown  on  the  head  and  upper  part  of  neck  ;  back  pale  ashy  brown, 
every  feather  edged  or  tipped  with  dull  white,  and  with  their  shafts 
drrk  brown;  wing-coverts  pale  red  at  base,  with  their  tips  dark 
brown.  Quills  brownish-black;  upper  tail-coverts  and  tail,  pale  red- 
dish-white.   On  the  wingcovcrts,  the  dark  brown-color  predominates, 


i 


NATATORES. 


333 


and  the  pale  rosy  tinge  is  only  to  be  observed  on  examination,  or 
when  the  feathers  are  displaced. 

This  specimen  has  the  plumage  of  the  head  and  neck  somewhat 
downy,  and  is  evidently  that  of  a  young  bird.  The  rose-red  of  the 
adult  is  in  the  young  only  to  be  seen  on  the  wings,  as  above  stated, 
and  more  clearly  on  the  tail-coverts  and  tail.  In  the  plumage  here 
alluded  to,  this  bird  more  nearly  approaches  the  description  by  Molina, 
above  cited,  than  any  other  specimen  that  has  come  under  our  notice, 
and  we  have  accordingly  adopted  his  name.  In  the  study  of,  or  re- 
adjustment of  the  species  and  names  of  the  birds  of  this  group,  it  must 
not  be  overlooked,  however,  that  there  are  now  two  well-determined 
species  of  Flamingos  which  inhabit  Chili  and  other  countries  of  West- 
ern South  America.  The  second  species  is  Phoenkopterm  andimis, 
Philippi,  Annales  de  la  Universidad  de  Chile,  August,  1854,  a  transla- 
tion of  the  description  of  which  is  in  Gilliss's  Astronomical  Expedition 
to  the  Southern  Hemisphere,  Vol.  II,  p.  198. 


2.  Genbs  ANSER,  Barrere,  Oir-   p  16  (1745). 

1.  Anser  albatus,  Camn. — The  Western  Snow  Goose. 
Anttr  albatus,  Gassin,  Proo.  Acad.  Philad.  VIII,  p.  41  (1856). 

This  is  a  species  related  to  the  Snow  Goose  of  Northern  Europe  and 
America,  but  uniformly  smaller,  and  presenting  other  distinguishing 
characters.  Though  first  described  by  us  from  specimens  obtained  on 
the  coast  of  New  Jersey,  where  it  is  a  very  rare  visitant,  it  is,  we  sus- 
pect, much  more  abundant  on  the  western  coast  of  the  United  States. 
A  single  specimen  is  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  which  appears 
to  be  that  of  a  male  in  nearly  adult  plumage. 

Smaller  than  Aiiser  hyperhoreus,  bill  shorter;  bare  space  at  the  base 
of  the  upper  mandible  not  extending  so  far  into  the  feathers  (on  the 
sides  of  the  bill  in  front).  Wing  long,  second  quill  longest;  tail  short, 
but  comparatively  rather  longer  than  in  A.  hyperhorevs,  which  is  also 
the  case  with  the  tarsus. 

Total  length  (of  skiu),  about  twenty-five  inches;  wing,  fifteen  and 
three-fourths  inches ;  tail,  five  and  three-fourths  inches ;  bill,  two 
inches;  tarsus,  two  inches.     Female  smaller. 

84 


% 


334 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Entirt  plumage  white,  except  the  primaries,  which  are  pale  cinere- 
ous at  base,  and  black  in  the  terminating  two-thirds  of  their  length. 
Front  and  cheeks  spotted  with  ferruginous;  bill  and  feet  red.  Young, 
with  the  primaries  entirely  cinereous,  and  the  entire  upper  plumage 
of  that  color. 

This  species  has  never  been  figured ;  and  five  specimens,  four  of 
which  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  and  one  in 
that  of  the  present  Expedition,  are  all  that  have  come  under  our  notice. 
Though  allied  to  and  resembling  the  Snow  Goose  of  the  Atlantic  States, 
this  bird  is  not  difficult  to  distinguish  on  comparison. 

Under  the  name  of  Anser  hyperhoreua,  but  in  allusion,  as  we  think, 
to  the  present  bird,  Mr.  Peale  gives  the  following : 

"  It  is  quite  impossible  to  convey  to  our  readers  an  idea  of  the  in- 
cessant clatter  of  sounds  emitted  by  these,  the  two  last-mentioned 
Geese"  (the  present  and  the  White-fronted  Goose), "  and  the  Storks,  or 
Sandhill  Cranes,  when  disturbed  at  night  by  some  prowling  wolf,  as 
they  all  roost  on  the  ground  in  wet  prairies.  The  old  Snow  Geese 
generally  keep  together,  and  their  white  plumage  contrasted  with  the 
dark  ground  presents  the  appearance  of  snow  banks. 

"  Rarely  seen  in  the  water ;  they  remain  all  winter  in  California, 
and  the  southern  parts  of  Oregon.  When  they  first  arrive  from  the 
north,  they  are  very  tame,  allowing  persons  to  approach  very  near, 
and  a  skilful  rider  on  a  horse  is  enabled  to  catch  them  with  a  lasso 
(the 'noose  used  by  the  Californians  for  catching  cattle  and  horses). 
By  this  process,  we  have  seen  four  that  were  taken  i  one  afternoon, 
by  a  Californian." 

The  occurrence  of  Geese  in  large  numbers  is  also  mentioned  by  Dr. 
Pickering,  in  Oregon  and  California. 


2.  Anser  Gambelii,  Hartlauh. — The  American  White-fronted  Goose. 

An»er  Gambelii,  HARTLiCB,  Rev.  et  Mag.  de  Zool.  1852,  p.  7. 
"  Anter  albifroni,  Gm."  Auot.  American. 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCLXXXVI ;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLXXX. 


This  species  appears  to  be  quite  distinct  from  that  of  Europe,  with 
which  it  has  been  usually  regarded  as  identical,  a  fact  first  pointed  out 


NATATORES. 


335 


by  our  friend,  Dr.  Oustav  Hartlaub,  Director  of  the  State  Museum  of 
the  City  of  Bremen,  and  one  of  tu^  ro  ist  accomplished  of  European 
Ornithologists.  The  American  bird  is  constantly  the  larger,  and  the 
greater  length  and  thickness  of  the  bill  is  a  marked  characteristic,  as 
is  correctly  stated  by  Dr.  Hartlaub,  in  his  description,  above  cited. 

Dr.  Pickering  mentions  the  occurrence  of  immense  numbers  of  Geese 
of  various  species,  on  the  coasts  of  California  and  Oregon,  in  the  month 
of  April,  and  subsequently  in  October.  He  particularly  mentions  the 
present  bird  as  observed  in  abundance,  and  seen  either  flyin^^  in  lines 
generally  bifurcating  from  a  point,  but  frequently  irregular,  or  walking 
on  the  ground  in  search  of  food. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  of  this  species : 

"  About  the  middle  of  October,  vast  numbers  of  White-fronted  or- 
Laug!  ing  Geese  arrive  in  Oregon  and  California  from  the  north.  They 
are  generally  found  on  moist  prairies,  and  feed  almost  entirely  on  grass. 
None  were  seen  that  were  black,  except  having  patches  of  that  color 
on  the  breast.  The  black  color  is  probably  that  of  the  summer  plu- 
mage of  adult  birds." 


3.  Gbnus  BERNICLA,  Stephens,  Gen.  Zool.  XII,  Pt.  II,  p.  45  (1824). 

1.  Bernicla  canadensis  {Linn.). — The  Canada  Goose. 
The  Wild  Goose. 


Ana»  canademis,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  198  (1766). 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  346;  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXVII;  Aud. 
B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCI ;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLXXVI. 


m 


■m 


Under  the  head  of  this  species,  Mr.  Peale  says : 


"A  few  were  seen  on  our  journey  from  the  Columbia  River  to  Cali- 
fornia. Most  of  that  journey  was  remote  from  extensive  sheets  of 
water,  and  as  this  species  is  more  aquatic  in  its  habits  than  the  follow- 
ing {A.  Hutchinsii  and  A.  albifrons),  this  may  account  for  their  being 
seen  in  the  least  numbers." 

On  account  of  the  fact  that  no  specimens  of  this  bird  are  in  the  col- 
lection of  the  Expedition,  we  have  admitted  it  with  hesitation,  and 


386 


ORNITHOLOOY. 


especially  as  there  is  in  the  countries  of  Western  North  America,  a 
species  nearly  related  to  the  present  bird,  and  readily  to  be  confounded 
with  it.  It  is  smaller,  and  a  strong  character  is  to  be  found  in  the 
feet,  which  are  disproportionately  smaller.  The  species  alluded  to, 
was  first  described  by  us  as  Aneer  parvipea,  in  Proceedings  of  the  Aca- 
demy of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia,  VI,  p.  187  (1852).  We 
have  only  seen  the  bird  alluded  to  from  the  shores  of  the  Pacific 
Ocean. 

Dr.  Townsend  also  records  having  observed  Anaer  canadenns  in 
Oregon  (Narrative  of  a  Journey  across  the  Rocky  Mountains,  p.^  336). 


2.  Bernicla  Hutohinsii  {Ricliardaon). — Hutchins'  Goose. 
An$er  Hutchintti,  BiCH.  Faun.  Bor.  Am.  II,  p.  470  (1831). 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCLXXVII ;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLXXVII. 

No  specimens  of  this  Goose  being  in  the  collection,  for  similar  rea- 
sons to  those  mentioned  in  the  preceding  article,  we  admit  it  with 
doubt.  All  the  specimens  that  we  have  ever  seen  from  the  Pacific 
coast,  are  Bernicla  leucopareia,  a  species  first  pointed  out  as  an  inhabi- 
tant of  Russian  America,  by  Professor  Brandt,  an  accomplished  Rus- 
sian nat-tralist.  It  much  resembles  Hutchins'  Goose^  but  may  readily 
be  distinguished  by  a  white  ring  around  the  neck  at  the  junction  of 
the  black  color  with  the  lighter  colors  of  the  body.  Bernicla  leuco- 
pareia,  is  figured  in  our  Birds  of  California  and  Texas,  I,  PI.  XLV. 
Under  the  head  of  Anser  Hutchinsii,  Mr.  Peale  says  : 
"  This  Goose  was  found  in  great  numbers  on  the  flat  and  wet  prai- 
ries of  Upper  California,  where  they  arrive  from  the  north  about  the 
middle  of  October.  They  are  generally  seen  in  large  flocks  by  them- 
selves, but  sometimes  are  associated  with  the  Snow  Goose,  and  the 
White-fronted  Goose." 


3.  Bernicla  Antarctica  (Gmelin). — The  Antarctic  Goose. 

Anai  antarctica,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  505  (1788). 

Anas  Candida,  VlKlhL.  '"'"     "  - 

^na«  ^anto,  FoRST.  Desc.  An.  p.  336  (1844).  ■  - 


NATAT0RE8. 


337 


GilHss,  Ast.  Exp.  to  Chili,  Birds,  Plate  XXIII ;  Yoy.  Coquille,  Oie. 
Plate  L  (female). 

This  beautiful  species  appears  to  be  one  which  has  a  southwardly 
migration  from  the  northern  countries  of  South  America,  analogous  to 
the  well-known  migrations  of  the  species  of  North  America.  Specimens 
in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  were  obtained  at  Tierra  del  Fuego. 

The  difference  in  the  color  of  the  sexes  of  this  Goose  is  quite  re- 
markable, the  male  being  entirely  white,  and  the  female  variegated 
and  barred  with  black.  According  to  Captain  F.  Bernsee,  whose  notes 
are  published  in  the  Proceedings  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  YII, 
p.  288,  this  bird  is  partial  to  fresh  waters,  and  was  found  by  him 
abundant  at  the  Falkland  Islands,  where  he  was  wrecked. 


4.  Bebnigla  maoellanioa  {Omelin). — The  Magellanic  Goose. 

Anas  magellanica,  picta  et  leucoptera,  Qm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  pp.  504,  505  (1788). 

Gilliss's  Ast.  Exp.  to  Chili,  Birds,  Plate  XXIV;  Brown's  111.  Plate 
XL;  Buff.  PI.  Enl.  1006  (female). 

Specimens  of  this  species  are  from  Tierra  del  Fuego,  and  very  fine 
specimens  are  also  in  Lieut.  Gilliss's  collection  from  Chili,  made  by  the 
United  States  Astronomical  Expedition  to  the  Southern  Hemisphere, 
under  his  charge.  The  male  of  this  species  is  white,  with  transverse 
narrow  bars  of  black,  but  the  female  is  quite  different,  being  of  dark 
chestnut-brown,  and  somewhat  resembling  that  immediately  succeed- 
ing. According  to  Captain  Bernsee,  as  above  cited,  this  bird  also  was 
abundant  at  the  Falkland  Islands. 


5.  Bebnicla  inornata  (Mng). — The  Brown  Goose, 

Anaer  inornatui,  KiNQ,  Proc.  Zool.  Soo.  Loudon,  1830,  p.  15. 

Gray,  Gen.  Ill,  Plate  CLXV. 

Also  from  Tierra  del  Fuego.  This  name  inornata,  deserves  to  be 
abolished  on  account  of  its  singular  inappropriateness,  applied  as  it  is 
to  one  of  the  handsomest  of  the  South  American  Geese. 

85 


41 


338 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


All  of  the  three  preceding  species  are  now  well-known  birds  of  the 
Pacific  coast  of  South  America,  and  future  investigations  may  demon- 
strate a  more  northern  range  of  locality.  It  would  even  be  a  matter 
of  interest,  to  transplant  them  to  the  northern  temperate  zone. 

This  species  also  was  found  by  Captain  Bernsee  abundant  at  the 
Falkland  Islands,  and  he  states  explicitly,  that  the  male  and  female 
are  alike  in  colors. 


6.  Bernicla  sandwich ensis,  Vigors. — The  Sandwich  Island  Goose. 

Bemicla  tandieichenn'M,  Via.  Proo.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1884,  p.  48. 
Anur  hatoaiieniii,  Eyd.  and  Soul.  Voy.  Bonite,  Oisoaux,  p.  104  (1841). 
Anur  hawaieniii,  PiALE,  Zool  U.  8.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  249  (1848). 

Voy.  Bonite,  Zool.  Atlas,  Ois.  Plate  X ;  Jurd.  and  Selby,  111.  Orn. 
n.  s.  Plate  VIII. 


This  remarkable  and  little-known  Goose  was  repeatedly  noticed  by 
the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition,  and  is  apparently  peculiar  to  Hawaii, 
one  of  the  Sandwich  Islands. 

It  belongs  evidently,  from  the  facts  recorded  of  its  habits,  to  a  group 
characterized  by  the  partiality  of  the  species  for  fresh  waters,  and  for 
the  interior  of  the  coimtries  which  they  inhabit,  and  they  are  more 
decidedly  terrestrial  in  their  habits  than  any  other.  They  appear  to 
present  strong  analogies  to  the  Tree  Ducks  (Genus  Dendrocygna). 

Of  the  present  species,  Mr.  Pcale  states : 

"  We  observed  it  on  the  volcanic  mountains  of  the  Island  of  Hawaii, 
generally  in  pairs,  at  the  season  of  our  visit,  in  the  month  of  November, 
but  rarely  four  or  five  were  seen  together,  feeding  on  the  berries  of  a 
very  abundant  species  of  Vaccinum,  growing  on  the  old  beds  of  lava. 
On  these  they  had  become  very  fat,  and  were  delicious  eating ;  grass, 
however,  appears  to  be  their  ordinary  food.  We  never  saw  this  bird 
near  water,  which  is  scarce  in  those  regions,  our  party  being  obliged 
to  carry  the  necessary  supply  for  the  journey  in  calabashes,  but  it  is 
said  to  breed  near  shallow  ponds,  a  few  of  which  occur  in  the  moun- 
tains. 

"  What  is  most  remarkable,  is  the  statement  made  to  us  by  the 
natives,  and  which  we  have  every  reason  to  believe  is  the  fact,  that 


NATATORES. 


339 


this  Goose  is  limited  to  the  single  Island  of  Hawaii,  rarely  visiting  any 
others  of  the  group,  though  several  are  in  sight.  It  bears  confinement 
well,  is  hardy,  and  soon  becomes  domesticated.  Its  voice  resembles 
that  of  the  Snow  Goose  {Anaer  hyperhoreua)" 

Dr.  Pickering  in  his  journal,  now  in  our  possession,  mentions  having 
seen  this  Goose  in  the  mountains,  especially  numerous  at  a  height 
which  he  estimates  as  having  been  about  seven  thousand  feet  above 
the  level  of  the  sea.  He  states  thr.t  it  appeared  to  be  much  less  sus- 
picious than  other  species  with  which  he  was  acquainted,  and  when 
disturbed,  flies  off,  near  the  surface  of  the  ground,  without  rising  in  the 
air,  like  the  species  of  North  America.  Dr.  Pickering  mentions  hav- 
ing seen  this  bird  feeding  on  berries. 


4.  Genus  ANAS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  194  (1766). 


1.  Anas  superciuosa,  Qmelin, 

Ana»  tupereiliota,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  (1788). 
Ana»  leucophri/i,  FoRSTER,  Deso,  An.  p.  93  (1844). 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VII,  Plate  IX. 


According  to  Mr.  Peale : 

"  This  species  was  found  abundant  in  the  Bay  of  Islands,  New 
Zealand,  wherever  there  was  fresh  water.  Its  habits  and  voice  are 
much  like  those  of  the  Mallard  {Anas  boscJiaa),  the  female  of  which 
it  closely  resembles,  but  is  darker  colored,  and  has  a  green  instead  of 
a  blue  speculum.  In  all  the  specimens  obtained  by  the  Expedition, 
the  superciliary  line  and  cheeks  are  of  a  pale  fawn-color,  and  not  white, 
as  described  by  Dr.  Latham. 

"  We  saw  Ducks  in  most  of  the  Polynesian  Islands,  the  identity  of 
which  is  doubtful,  but  they  resemble  the  above  species  so  closely,  that 
for  the  present  they  are  referred  to  it.  They  are  uniformly  darker 
colored,  and  want  the  white  anterior  margin  to  the  speculum,  which 
is  conspicuous  in  the  New  Zealand  birds,  and  also  gradually  decrease 
in  size  at  each  group  of  islands  as  we  go  north  from  Australia  to  the 
equator;  the  specimens  obtained  at  Upolu,  one  of  the  Navigator 
Islands,  being  one-fifth  smaller,  but  alike  in  plumage  with  others  ob- 


I 


IH 


.■a 


Mf 


.»f'! 


340 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


tained  in  Australia.  At  the  intermediate  islands,  Tongatabu,  Feejee, 
and  Tahiti,  they  were  obtained  and  found  to  present  variations  only 
in  size.     North  of  the  equator,  this  species  was  not  seen." 


2.  Anas  boschas,  Linnaeus. — The  Mallard. 

Anas  lotchat,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  205  (1766). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXX,  fig.  7 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCXXI ;  oct.  ee.  VI,  Plate  CCCLXXXV. 

Both  Dr.  Pickering  and  Mr.  Peale  notice  the  occurrence  of  this  spe- 
cies abundantly  in  the  fresh  waters  of  Oregon  and  California.  Speci- 
mens in  the  collection  are  strictly  identical  with  the  bird  of  Eastern 
America. 

The  Mallard  is  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  having  been  noticed 
in  a  state  of  domestication  at  the  Philippine  Islands  in  unusual  num- 
bers, and  it  is  apparently  a  great  favorite  with  the  inhabitants.  In  his 
interesting  and  valuable  notes  we  find  the  following : 

"  This  species  is  raised  at  the  Philippine  Islands  in  immense  num- 
bers, and  is  doubtless  of  Malay  introduction.  One  of  the  most  curious 
sights  to  us  along  the  river  bank  was  the  pens,  about  fifty  feet  square 
and  extending  part  way  into  the  river,  inclosing  Ducks.  Frequently, 
several  hundreds  were  contained  in  one  inclosure,  which,  though  per- 
haps not  more  than  a  foot  high,  appeared  to  be  quite  sufiicient.  The 
Ducks  seemed  to  be  perfectly  contented,  and,  so  far  as  we  observed, 
never  attempted  to  exceed  their  limits;  generally,  however,  their 
wings  we;  clipped,  but  even  that  would  not  have  been  an  effectual 
preventative  had  the  disposition  been  otherwise.  Sometimes  they 
could  be  seen  swimming  rapidly  around  in  circles,  perhaps  for  the  sake 
of  exercise. 

'*  In  th'^se  inclosures,  men  were  occasionally  noticed  lustily  shovel- 
ling the  water,  apparently  for  the  purpose  of  dissipating  its  impurities, 
or  of  assisting  the  current  in  carrying  them  off.  In  the  course  of  the 
twenty-five  miles  to  the  *  Laguna  del  Bay,'  we  must  have  passed  many 
thousands  of  Ducks  in  inclosures  of  the  description  to  which  we  allude." 

This  well-knov;  n  species  appears  to  be  diffused  throughout  almost 
the  entire  northern  hemisphere.     Specimens  from  various  localities  in 


NATATORES. 


341 


Europe,  Asia,  and  America,  now  before  us,  present  no  appreciable 
specific  differences. 


6.  Genus  DAFILA,  Stephen*,  Gen.  Zool.  XII,  p.  126  (1824). 

1.  Dafila  acuta  {Linn.). — The  Pintail  Duck. 

Anas  acuta,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  202  (1766). 

Buff.  PL  Enl.  954 ;  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXVIII,  fig.  3 ; 
Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCXXVII;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCXC. 

Dr.  Pickering  mentions  having  noticed  this  species  on  the  coast  of 
Oregon.  It  had  been  previously  given  as  a  bird  of  that  country  by 
Dr.  Townsend,  but  is  not  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 


2.  Dafila  bahahensis  {Linn.). — The  Bahama  Pintail  Duck. 

Anat  bahamensit,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  199  (1766). 
Anat  urophaiiantu,  ViaoES,  Zool.  Jour.  IV,  p.  357  (1828). 

Catesby's  Carolina,  Birds,  Plate  XCIII;  Ey ton's  Monograph  of 
Anatidaa,  Plate  XX. 

A  fine  specimen  of  this  handsome  species  is  in  the  collection,  but  is 
unfortunately  without  label,  and  we  have  not  eucceeded  in  finding  it 
mentioned  in  the  notes  or  journals  of  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedi- 
tion. 

This  species  is  well  figured  in  Catesby's  Carolina,  as  above  cited, 
and  stated  to  be  an  inhabitant  of  the  Bahama  Islands,  but  we  have 
never  seen  a  specimen  obtained  on  the  Atlantic  coast  of  America. 
Mr.  Vigors,  in  the  paper  above  referred  to,  gives  it  as  a  bird  of  North- 
western America,  and  it  has  subsequently  been  observed  on  the  coast 
of  California. 


'5„ 


«c: 


342 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


6.  Genus  MARECA,  Stephen*,  Gen.  Zool.  XII,  p.  130  (1824). 
1.  Mareca  AMERICANA  {Gmeliii). — The  American  Widgeon. 

Anas  americana,  Gh.  Syat.  Nat.  I,  p.  526  (1788). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXIX,  fig.  4 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCXLV ;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCLXXXIX. 

Mr.  Peale  states : 

"  Was  frequently  seen  on  our  route  from  the  Columbia  River  to  the 
Bay  of  San  Francisco,  in  California,  wherever  we  found  fresh-water 
ponds." 

Strictly  the  same  as  the  species  of  the  Atlantic  coast  of  the  United 
States. 


7.  Gends  QUERQUEDULA,  Stephent,  Gen.  Zool.  XII,  p.  142  (1824). 
1.  QuERQUEDDLA  CAROLiNENSis  {Gmelin). — The  Green-winged  Teal. 

Anas  carolinrmii,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  533  (1788). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXX,  fig.  4 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Fate 
CCXXVIII ;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCXCII. 

This  species  is  stated  by  both  Dr.  Pickering  and  Mr.  Peale  to  be 
common  in  California  and  Oregon. 

The  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  apparently  have 
a  nearer  relationship  to  the  Querquedula  crecaa,  of  the  Old  World, 
than  :  generally  to  be  found  in  the  American  bird.  This  character, 
1  owever,  we  have  repeatedly  noticed  in  specimens  from  Western 
America,  of  birds  like  the  present  having  very  similar  European  re- 
presentatives. 


NATATORES, 


343 


8.  Genus  SPATULA,  Boie,  Isis,  1822,  p.  564. 

1.  Spatula  clypeata  {Linn.). — The  Shoveller, 

Ana$  clypeata,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  200  (1766). 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  971,  972 ;  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXVII ; 
Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCXXVll;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCXCIV. 

Specimens  from  Oregon  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 
According  to  Mr,  Peale,  this  species  was  noticed  also  at  the  Islands 
of  Hawaii  and  Oahu. 


9.  Genus  FULIGIILA,  Stephens,  Gen.  Zool.  XII,  p.  187  (1824). 
1.  FuLiGULA  RUFITORQUES,  Bonaparte. — The  Ring-necked  Duck. 

Fuliyxda  rufitorque*,  Bonap.  Comp.  List.  p.  58  (1838). 
"Anas/vliyula,"  WiLSON,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  p.  00.  ' 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXVII,  fig.  5 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCXXXIV;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CUCXCVIII. 

Specimens  from  Oregon  are  precisely  identical  with  others  obtained 
on  the  coast  of  the  Atlantic,  Mr.  Peale  states  that  this  bird  did  not 
appear  to  be  common  in  Oregon. 


If 

it! 


2.  FuLiGULA  MABiLA  (/inn.). — The  Scaup  Duck.     The 
Black-headed  Duck. 

Anat  marila,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  196  (1766). 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  1002 ;  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXIX ;  Aud. 
B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCXXIX ;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCXCVII. 

This  species,  according  to  Dr.  Pickering,  was  noticed  on  the  coast 


i'A 


r 


844 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


of  Oregon,  in  October.  No  specimens  being  in  the  collection,  it  may 
be  observed,  however,  that  the  smaller  species  {Fuligvla  mariloides), 
nearly  allied  to  this  bird,  has  also  been  found  on  the  western  coast  of 
North  America,  and  is  given  in  the  Zoology  of  the  Voyage  ot  the  Blos- 
som, Ornithology,  p.  31. 

Dr.  Townsend  gives  Fvligula  marUa,  as  a  bird  of  Oregon. 


10.  GiNVB  OIDEMIA,  Fkminff,  Phil.  Zool.  II,  p.  260  (1822). 

1.  OiDEMiA  PERSFiciLLATA  {lAnti.). — The  Surf  Duck. 

Ana$  perspicittata,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  201  (1766). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXVII,  fig.  1 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCCXVII ;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCCII. 

On  minute  comparison  between  specimens  from  the  Pacific,  in  the 
present  collection,  with  others  from  the  Atlantic  coast,  we  find  no  dis- 
tinctive characters. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  of  this  bird : 

"  Common  on  the  west  coast  of  North  America,  with  Oidemia  fuaca, 
and  extends  its  migrations  further  south.  Never  found  but  in  the 
immediate  vicinity  of  the  sea,  and  as  its  name  implies,  generally  in 
the  surf." 

Dr.  Pickering  also  records  the  occurrence  of  this  species  in  Oregon. 


2.  Oidemia  carbo  {Ballaa). — The  Velvet  Duck. 

Ana$  carbo,  Pallas,  Zoog.  Bosso-Asiatica,  II,  p.  244  (1881). 
Anui  Deylandii,  BoNAP. 

Oidemia  velvetina,  Oassin,  Proo.  Acad.  Philad.  V,  p.  126  (1850). 
"Atuu/tuca,  Linn."  Anot.  Amerioan. 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXXII,  fig.  3;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCXLVII ;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCCI. 

Identical  with  the  bird  of  the  Atlantic  coast,  on  comparison  with 
specimens  from  Oregon  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 


NATAT0RE8. 


345 


Mr.  Peale  states  this  species  to  be  "  common  on  the  west  coast  of 
America,  as  far  north  as  visited  by  the  Expedition ;  rare  on  the  coast 
of  California."  This  is  the  Duck  alluded  to  by  Mr.  Peale  in  the 
preceding  article  as  Oidemia  fuaca.  It  is  different  from  0.  fuaca,  of 
the  sea-coasts  of  Europe,  but  appears  to  be  the  species  described  by 
Pallas,  as  above,  and  which  inhabits  the  coast  of  Northeastern  Asia, 
and  also  of  Northwestern  America,  as  appears  from  the  observations 
of  the  naturalists  of  the  Exploring  Expedition  in  the  Yincennes  and 
Peacock. 


11.  Genus  MERGUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  207  (1766). 

1.  Mebgus  Americanus,  Gasain. — The  American  Merganser. 

The  Shelldrake. 

Mergus  AmericanHt,  Oasbin,  Proo.  Acad.  Philad.  VI,  p.  187  (1852). 
"  Mergus  merganter,"  Auct.  Americas. 

Wilson,  Am.  Om.  VIII,  Plate  LXVIII,  fig.  1 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am. 
Plate  CCCXXXI ;  oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCCXI. 

f 

Dr.  Pickering  mentions  the  occurrence  of  this  species  on  the  coast 
of  Oregon. 


2.  Mergus  cucullatus,  Linn. — The  Hooded  Merganser. 

Mergus  cucullatus,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  207  (1766). 
Mergus  fuscus,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  II,  p.  832  (1790). 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXIX,  fig.  1 ;  Aud.  \..  of  Am.  Plate 
CCXXXII;  Oct.  ed.  VI,  Plate  CCCCXIII. 

Relating  to  this  bird,  Mr.  Peale  states : 

"  Observed  from  Puget's  Sound  on  the  northwest  coast  of  America 
to  San  Francisco,  in  California.  It  may  be  said  to  be  solitary  in  its 
habits,  not  more  than  a  brooa  .'sually  remaining  together.  The  young 
is  covered  with  a  rather  coarse  do.v  i,  of  a  sepiarbrowu  color  above,  and 
white  beneath ;  the  cheeks  tawny ;  bill  green." 

87 


i  I 


346 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


This  is  another  of  the  rather  numerous  species  which  appear  to  in- 
habit the  entire  temperate  regions  of  North  America.  It  is  now  fre- 
quently brought  in  collections  from  California,  and,  from  Mr.  Peale's 
observations,  is  evidently  a  constant  resident  in  the  western  countries 
of  this  continent. 


2.  Family  COLYMBID^.— The  Grebes,  Divers,  &c. 
1.  Genus  PODICEPS,  Latham,  Ind.  Om.  II,  p.  780  (1790). 

1.  PoDiCEPS  CAUFOBNicus,  Heermann. — The  California  Grebe. 
Pudiceps  calt/omicus,  Heermann,  Proo.  Acad.  Philad.  VII,  p.  179  (1854). 

A  specimen  in  the  collection,  like  that  described  by  Dr.  Heermann, 
as  above,  is  evidently  in  young  plumage.  The  species,  however,  ap- 
pears to  be  quite  distinct  from  any  other  of  North  America,  and  is,  so 
far  as  we  know,  peculiar  to  the  coasts  of  the  Pacific.  It  has  not  been 
figured. 

The  present  specimen  is  labelled  as  having  been  obtained  in  Oregon, 
and  this  species  is  alluded  to  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  having  been  observed 
in  the  month  of  August,  1841. 


S.  Family  ALCIDiE. — The  Auks,  Guillemots,  and  Penguins. 

1.  Genus  URIA,  Moehring,  Gen.  Av.  p.  67  (1752). 

1.  Uria  columba  {Bdlaa). — The  Western  Guillemot. 

Cepphui  columba,  Pallas,  Zoog.  Rosso-Asiatica,  I,  p.  348  (1811).  ,     - 

"  Uria  griflle,"  AvoTonvii. 

Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XXXVIII,  fig.  1.     Adult.  ' 

Numerous  fine  specimens  of  this  bird,  from  the  coast  of  Oregon,  are 
in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  and  on  comparison  of  them  with 


NATATORES. 


347 


others  of  the  Una  grylle,  from  Northeastern  America  and  Northern 
Europe,  we  find  quite  sufficient  diflferences  constantly  presenting  them- 
selves, to  induce  us  to  re-establish  a  species  as  distinct,  under  the  name 
given  by  Pallas,  as  cited  above.  Though  precisely  of  the  same  gene- 
ral colors  as  the  European  bird,  and,  so  far  as  can  be  determined  from 
skins,  very  nearly  of  the  same  size,  the  specimens  now  before  us  have 
the  bill  more  slender,  and  the  white  patch  on  the  wing  is  divided  by 
a  well-defined  dark  band  from  its  lower  edge,  forming  a  conspicuous 
character,  and  to  be  instantly  detected  as  peculiar  to  the  present  bird. 
The  feet  appear  to  be  smaller,  but  in  dried  skins  of  swimming  birds, 
we  cannot  regard  this  apparent  character  as  reliable,  unless  very 
striking. 

The  name  given  by  the  distinguished  Russian  naturalist,  to  whom 
we  have  alluded,  there  can  be  little  doubt,  applies  to  the  species  now 
before  us.  He  states  the  locality  as  "  In  Oceano  arctico,  pariterque 
circa  Camtscfiatcam  et  in  omnifreto  inter  Siheriam  et  Americam, abundant, 
et  uhique  Jistulante  voce  exaudiunter," 

This  bird  appears  to  be  of  common  occurrence  on  the  northwestern 
coast  of  America.  Both  Dr.  Pickering  and  Mr.  Peale  record  having 
observed  it  at  various  points,  the  latter  also  notices  one  of  the  charac- 
ters to  which  we  have  alluded.     His  observations  are  as  follows : 

"Several  specimens  were  obtained  at  Discovery  Harbor,  on  the 
northwest  coast  of  America,  in  May,  at  which  time  they  were  in  sum- 
mer plumage,  and  agree  with  Mr.  Audubon's  description,  excepting 
the  greater  wing-coverts,  which  are  black  at  the  base  and  tipped  with 
white,  which  gives  them  an  appearance  of  having  two  bars,  one  broad, 
and  the  other  narrow,  instead  of  a  single  white  spot  on  the  wings,  as 
represented  in  his  plate.  This  difierence  is  constant  in  all  our  speci- 
mens, and  is  found  to  be  the  same  in  others  obtained  on  the  Columbia 
River  near  its  mouth." 

The  figures  in  Mr.  Audubon'^  plate  (Birds  of  America,  PI.  CCXIX), 
represent  specimens  from  Eastern  America,  and  of  Northern  Europe. 
We  give  the  present  bird  in  our  Atlas,  rather  smaller  than  the  natu- 
ral size. 

Numerous  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  in  good 
preservation  and  mature  plumage. 


m 


m 


348 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


2.  Gknus  BRACHYRAMPHUS,  Brandt,  Bull.  Acad.  St.  Petersburg,  I,  p.       (1887). 

1.  Brachtramphus  antiquus  (Omelin). — The  Black-throated 

Guillemot. 


Alca  anltqua,  6m.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  554  (1788). 

Una  Ktiicula,  Pallas,  Zoog.  Ros.  Asia,  I,  p.  367  (1811). 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCCII,  figs.  1,  2 ;  oct.  ed.  VII,  Plate 
CCCCLXX. 

In  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  from  the  coast  of  Oregon. 

Dr.  Pickering  observes  of  this  bird  that  it  is  a  remarkably  expert 
diver,  remaining  under  the  water  for  a  length  of  time  that  would 
almost  appear  impossible.  Excellent  specimens  are  in  the  collection 
of  the  Expedition. 


8.  Gbnus  FRATERCULA,  Brisson,  Orn.  VI,  p.  81  (1760). 

1.  Fratercula  cirrhata  {Omelin). — The  Tufted  Auk. 

Alca  cirrhata,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  553  (1788). 

Buflf.  PI.  Enl.  761;  Vieill.  Gall.  II,  Plate  CCXCIX;  Aud.  B.  of 
Am.  Plate  CCXLIX;  oct.  ed.  VII,  Plate  CCCCLXII. 

Noticed  by  both  Dr.  Pickering  and  Mr.  Peale  as  having  been  ob- 
served on  the  coast  of  Oregon,  but  not  very  frequently.  The  latter 
states :  "  Specimens  of  this  singular  bird  were  procured  at  Strawberry 
Bay,  northwest  coast  of  America,  on  the  29th  of  July.  This  is  pro- 
bably the  southern  limit  of  this  species  in  summer;  further  north  it  is 
more  numerous.  The  feet  and  the  anterior  portion  of  the  upper 
mandible  in  the  living  bird  are  rich  orange-yellow  color,  the  latter  at 
the  base  olive ;  lower  mandible  rich  orange-red." 

Specimens  of  this  bird,  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  appear 
to  be  identical  with  others  from  the  northern  shores  of  the  Atlantic 


NATATORES. 


349 


Ocean.     It  appears  to  be  widely  diffused  in  the  northern  countries  of 
both  continents. 


4.  Genus  OERATORHYNCHA,  Bonaparte. 

1.  Ceratobhyncha  monocerata  {Pallaa). — The  Horn-billed 

Guillemot. 

Alca  monocerata,  Fall.  Zoog.  Ross.  Asiat.  II,  p.  862  (1811). 
Pkaieris  cerorhyncha,  BoNAP.  Zool.  Jour.  Ill,  p.  53  (1827). 
Cerorhyncha  occidentalif,  BoNAP.  Ann.  N.  Y.  Lyceum,  II,  p.  428  (1827). 
Ceratorhyncha  occidentaKt,  BoNAF.  Comp.  List.  p.  66. 
Chimerina  cornuta,  EscHSOH.  Zool.  Atlas,  Ft.  Ill,  p.  2  (1829). 

Eschscholtz,  Zool.  Atlas,  Plate  XII;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCCII, 
fig.  5;  oct.  ed.  VII,  CCCCLXXI. 

One  specimen  only  of  this  bird,  in  immature  plumage,  is  in  the  col- 
lection, and  was  obtained  on  the  northwest  coast  of  America.  Mr. 
Peale  notes,  that  the  knob  on  the  bill  and  lower  mandible  were  orange 
color,  "  a  black  line  along  the  culmen ;  legs  orange-colored,  the  toe 
membranes  and  nails  black." 

Very  fine  specimens  of  this  curious  bird,  now  in  the  National  Col- 
lection, were  brought  from  Japan,  by  the  United  States  Expedition  to 
that  Empire,  commanded  by  Captain  M.  C.  Perry,  United  States 
Navy. 


I 
I 


6.  Genob  APTENODYTES,  Fortler. 


m 


1.  Aptenodttes  patachonica,  Forster. — The  Patagonian  Penguin. 

The  Great  Penguin. 

Aptenodyte*  patachonica,  FoRSTER,  Comment.  Gottingensis,  III,  p.  137  (1781). 
"  Aptenotlyles  patagonCca,  MiLLEB,  III.  Hist.  Nat.  tab.  XX,"  Forster,  ut  tupra. 
Aptenodytet  Fortteri,  G.  R.  GRAY,  Ann.  and  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.  1844,  p.  315. 


I'll 

m 


?*&i 


Shaw  and  Mill.  Cim.  Phys.  Plate  XXIII  (second  edition) ;  Shaw, 

88 


850 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Mus.  Lev.  Plate  (not  numbered) ;  Penn.  Gen.  Plate  XIV ;  Forst. 
Coram.  Gott.  Ill,  Plate  II. 

A  single  specimen  in  the  collection  is  of  the  species  which  appears 
to  be  that  described  by  Forster,  and  to  which  Gray  has  given  his 
name.  It  is  in  good  preservation,  and  presents  nothing  unusual  in  its 
characters. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  of  this  species : 

"  Only  one  specimen  of  this  bird  was  brought  home.  It  was  caught 
on  the  ice,  in  latitude  66°  52'  S.,  longitude  160°  25'  E.  of  Greenwich, 
on  the  23d  of  January,  1840.  Its  stomach  contained  a  quantity  of 
basaltic  pebbles,  which  were  the  first  indication  of  Antarctic  lands,  at 
that  time  unknown." 


6.  Gbnus  EUDYPTES,  Vieillot,  Anoljse,  p.  67  (1816). 

1.   EuDYPTES  PAPUA  (Forfiffr). 

Aplenodjfte* papua,  FoRST.  Comment.  Gott.  Ill,  p.  140  (1781). 
Aptenodyta  Iceniata,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  264  (1848).* 

Coram.  Gott.  Ill,  Plate  III:  VieiU.  Gal.  II,  Plate  CCXCIX;  Voy. 
Erebus  and  Terror,  Birds,  Plate  XXV. 


A  specimen  in  the  collection  from  Macquarie's  Island,  presents  no 
other  characters  than  have  been  described,  and  are  represented  in  the 
figures  cited  above.     It  is  in  good  plumage  and  preservation. 

Mr.  Pecile  remarks  in  allusion  to  this  bird : 

*  "  Above  block,  mottled  with  blue-gray ;  bcneutli  white ;  throat  dark  gray,  a  white 
spot  above  and  behind  each  eye;  bill  slender,  yellow ;  feet  yellowinh  flcah-color;  tail 
rather  long,  cuneate,  composed  of  sixteen  feathers,  the  four  outer  ones  edged  with  white. 

"  General  aspect  and  size,  that  of  the  Long-tailed  Penguin  (A.  longicauda),  but  the 
tail  is  not  so  long,  the  wings  longer,  and  the  bill  couiparutively  very  long  and  slender;  it 
has  much  larger  feet  and  more  slender  nails. 

"Total  length,  thirty-three  and  nine-tenths  inches;  bill,  two  inches;  along  the  com- 
missure, three  and  a  half  inches ;  gonyx,  four-fifths  of  an  inch ;  wings,  ten  and  two- 
tenths  inches  long,  two  and  two-tenths  inches  wide;  tail,  three  and  nine-tenths  inches; 
outer  feathers,  two  and  two-tenths  inches ;  foot,  five  and  two-tenths  inches ;  middle  nail, 
eight  tenths  of  an  inch." 


NAT  A  TORE  8. 


351 


"  Found  breeding  in  great  numbers  on  Macquarie's  Island,  in  the 
month  of  January,  with  the  Crested  Penguin  {A.  chrysocome),  but  in 
separate  communities.  Lieutenant  Eld,  who  procured  the  only  speci- 
men brought  home  by  the  Expedition,  says  that  the  nests  were  so 
numerous  as  to  cover  many  acres  of  ground,  though  placed  close  to- 
gether, and  that  the  old  birds  were  not  willing  or  able  to  get  out  of 
the  Wiiy,  but  would  pick  or  bite  the  persons  intruding.  He  thought 
it  quite  sufficient,  after  selecting  specimens,  to  secure  them  by  tying 
the  legs  of  each  one  together,  but  in  this  he  was  disappointed,  for  in 
passing  through  the  surf  (as  the  boats  could  not  land),  his  prisoners, 
all  but  one,  escaped  by  swimming  at  a  greater  speed  than  their  pur- 
suers could  follow  them  in  the  boats,  though  their  legs  were  well 
secured." 


2.  EuDYPTES  ANTiPODA  {Homh.  and  Jocq.). 


Calarrhactes  antipodes,  Homb.  and  Jacq.  Ann.  des  Sci.  Nat.  XVI,  p.  320  (1841), 
Aptenodyte»flavHarvata,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  260  (1848).* 

*  "  Subore8ted ;  a  yellow  band  crosses  from  the  corner  of  the  mouth  to  the  occiput, 
which  includes  the  eyes,  and  incloses  the  orown  and  front  of  tho  head  in  the  form  of  a 
mask}  upper  parts  light  blue-gray ;  beneath  white;  bill  and  feet  pale  flesh-color ;  tail 
short,  cuneate,  and  consisting  of  twenty  feathers ;  bill  moderately  strong,  the  commis- 
sure nearly  straight,  but  turning  rather  abruptly  downwards  at  t  uo  corners  of  the  mouth ; 
upper  mandible  compressed  towards  the  ettremity  and  hooked,  the  edges  much  bent  in- 
wards and  sharp;  nostrils  not  perceptible  in  the  dried  skin;  under  mandible  compressed, 
slightly  truncate;  gonyx  slightly  rounded;  eyes  golden  yellow;  ophthalmic  region 
covered  with  short  orango-oolored  feathers  ;  crown  and  front  yellow;  the  shaft  of  each 
feather  black,  and  elongated  to  a  bristle-like  appendage  ;  sides  of  the  neck  pale  brown ; 
back  blue-gray,  the  feathers  having  dark  brown  shafts ;  wings  the  same  color  as  the 
back,  somewhat  darker,  and  margined  on  both  edges  by  a  white  line ;  pure  white  beneath  ; 
breast  and  belly  pure  white ;  tail  black,  pointed,  the  shafts  very  flat  and  nearly  as  broad 
as  the  webs;  legs  and  bill  light  pink  or  flesh-color,  the  nails  red.  Males  and  femalea 
alike  in  plumage,  but  differing  in  size,  the  female  being  largest. 

«  Male.  Total  length,  twenty-eight  and  six-tenths  inches ;  bill,  one  and  nineteen- 
twentieths  inches;  along  the  commissure,  three  inches;  wing,  along  the  front  edge, 
seven  and  nine-tenths  inches ;  foot,  four  and  seven-tenths  inches ;  the  fourth  toe  rudi- 
mentary, tho  nail  three-tenths  of  an  inch ;  long,  slender,  and  curved ;  the  next  toe  shorter 
than  the  outer  one. 

"  Female.  Total  length,  thirty-three  and  six-tenths  inches;  bill,  two  and  three-tenths 
inches ;  along  the  commissure,  three  and  three-tenths  inches ;  wing,  along  the  front  edge, 
nine  and  two  tenths  inches ;  tail,  two  and  four-tenths  inches ;  the  outer  feathers,  one 
inqh," 


m\ 


^1. 


n 


352  ORNITHOLOGY. 

Voyage  Astrolabe  and  Zel^,  Birds,  Plate  XXXIII,  fig.  2. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale : 

"  This  species  was  found  in  great  numbers  at  the  Auckland  Islands, 
in  the  month  of  March.  On  shore,  they  were  easily  captured,  and 
Dr.  S.  Holmes,  of  the  U.  S.  Brig  Porpoise,  prepared  the  skins  of  a  pair 
which  ure  now  deposited  with  the  National  Collestions  in  the  City  of 
Washington." 

This  is  one  of  the  finest  species  of  this  curious  group  of  birds,  and 
had  singularly  escaped  the  researches  of  voyagers  and  naturalists, 
until  taken  to  Euroi^e  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Astrolabe  and  Zel^e, 
as  above.  It  is  handsomely  nnd  accurately  figured  in  their  Atlas, 
above  cited. 


3.  EuDYPTES  Adelia  {BomJ}.  and  Jacq.). 

Calarrhactet  Adelia,  HoMB.  and  Jacq.  Ann.  Soi.  Nat.  XVI,  p.  320  (1841). 
ApUnoiJj/te*  lonijkaudata,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp,  Birds,  p.  261  (1848).'^ 

*  "  Throat,  and  all  the  upper  parts  blauk,  beneath  white ;  tail  long,  cuneate,  black, 
and  consisting  of  fourteen  feathers,  which  have  strong,  black,  and  elastic  shafts ;  bill 
stout,  feathered  nearly  half  its  length ;  commissure  nearly  straight ;  upper  mandible  de- 
pressed, slightly  hooked,  and  having  a  double  cutting  margin ;  palate  strongly  armed 
with  corneous  pointed  papilla;,  directed  towards  the  throat;  under  mandible  compressed, 
slightly  truncate ;  nostrils  membranous,  valvular,  and  in  the  dried  specimens  scarcely 
discernible ;  color  reddish-brown ;  piumoge  dense,  strong,  glossy,  about  one  inch  and  a 
half  long,  pointed  ;  the  shafts  very  broad  and  flat ;  white  on  the  breast,  and  black  on  the 
back;  back-feathers  black  at  the  extremities,  and  margined  with  blue;  a  very  full  coat 
of  down  envelopes  the  base  of  all  the  feathers;  it  is  white  on  all  the  under  parts,  and 
fuliginous  above ;  wings  black  outside,  with  a  white  hinder  margin,  each  feather  edged 
with  blue ;  inside  white,  with  a  margin  in  front  of  black,  scale-like  plumage,  which 
has  merely  a  slight  marginal  web,  not  distinguishable  by  the  unassisted  eye ;  feet  flesh- 
colored  ;  the  nails  strong,  rounded,  rather  blunt,  and  nearly  straight,  reddish-brown. 

"  Total  length,  when  killed,  thirty-one  inches  (the  stuffed  skin  measures  thirty-three 
and  a  half  inches) ;  extent  across  the  wings,  twenty-three  inches;  bill,  one  and  five-tenths 
inches;  and  from  the  feathers  on  the  commissure  and  the  under  mandible,  six-tenths 
of  an  inch  beyond  the  feathers  of  the  chin ;  wings,  seven  inches  long,  two  and  two-tenths 
inches  wide  at  elbow ;  foot,  four  and  one-tenth  inches ;  middle  toe,  including  the  nail, 
three  inches ;  nail,  eight-tenths  of  an  inch ;  outer  toe,  half  an  inch  longer  than  the  inner, 
the  fourth  toe  little  more  than  a  rudiment,  half  an  inch  long,  including  the  nail,  two- 
tenths  of  an  inch ;  tail,  six  and  five-twentieths  inches;  the  outer  feathers  two  inches; 
the  intermediate  feathers  regularly  graduated.  Male,  obtained  by  Dr.  S.  Holmes,  of  the 
Brig  Porpoise,  lotitude  64°  40'  S.,  and  103°  4'  E.  from  Greenwich." 


NATATORES. 


368 


Voy.  Ast.  and  Zel.  Ois.  Plate  XXXIII,  fig.  1. 

This  is  another  of  the  most  handsome  birds  of  this  group,  and  like 
the  preceding,  has  only  comparatively  recently  become  known  to 
naturalists.  We  much  regret  that  we  find  so  little  in  relation  to  these 
interesting  and  little-known  birds  recorded  by  the  naturalists  of  the 
Expedition.  They  did  not,  however,  accompany  the  Expedition  on 
its  cruise  towards  the  South  Pole,  during  which  the  great  discovery 
was  made  of  the  Antarctic  Continent,  and  on  this  cruise  the  birds  now 
before  us  were  noticed  and  specimens  obtained. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  with  reference  to  this  species : 

"  These  birds  were  not  seen,  excepting  in  the  vicinity  of  ice  in  the 
Antarctic  regions,  south  of  the  sixtieth  degree  of  latitude.  Their  cry 
is  loud,  wild,  and  soniewhat  human  in  sound.  They  frequently  fol- 
lowed our  vessels,  apparently  from  motives  of  curiosity,  making  the 
most  rapid  progress  beneath  the  surface,  and  frequently  leaping  en- 
tirely out  of  the  water,  and  plunging  again  like  porpoises,  which  in 
marks  and  actions  they  resemble. 

"  Penguins  generally,  when  migrating,  have  all  the  manners  and 
appearance  of  small  porpoises  (Delphini).  They  pursue  their  course 
under  water,  rising  to  the  surface  to  breathe,  and  frequently  pitch 
themselves  into  the  air  above,  falling  head  foremost  into  the  sea  again. 
They  generally  migrate  in  flocks." 

Numerous  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  in  ma- 
ture plumage  and  excellent  preservation.  This  bird  is  very  carefully 
represented  in  the  Ornithological  Atlas  to  the  Voyage  of  the  Astrolabe 
and  Zel^e,  as  above  cited. 


V.  Genus  SPHENISCUS,  Briason,  Orn.  VI,  p.  96  (1760). 
1.  Spheniscus  magellanicus  {ForsL). 

Aptenodytes  magellam'cuii,  FoBST.  Comra.  Gott.  Ill,  p.  143  (1781). 
Spheniicus  Uumloldtii,  Meyen,  Nov.  Act.  XVI,  p.  110,  PI.  XXI? 

Shaw  and   Mill.  Cim.  Phys.  Plate  XXXIV;  Comm.  Gott.  Ill, 
Plate  V. 


''#1 


'^sii 


In  numerous  specimens  that  we  have  examined  of  this  bird,  there 

89 


354 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


is  a  marked  difference  in  the  size  of  the  sexes,  the  female  being  the 
smaller.  We  regard  it  as  probable  that  Sjtheniscxia  Humhdldtii  is  the 
latter. 

Mr.  Peile  observes  of  this  species : 

"  Great  numbers  were  seen  at  On  nge  Bay,  and  around  Cape  Horn. 

"  They  swim  so  deep  in  the  water,  that  the  black  stripe  along  the 
sides  rarely  shows  above  the  water-line.  It  is  veiy  difficult  to  kill 
them  with  shot,  and  quite  impossible  to  catch  them  with  a  boat. 

"  A  female,  fresh  killed,  measured  two  feet  three  inches  long,  and 
one  foot  eight  and  a  half  inches  across  the  wings ;  irides  reddish-brown. 
The  males  are  larger,  and  the  young  are  without  the  black  water-line. 
The  voice  of  this  species  is  powerful,  and  can  be  heard  at  great  dis- 
tances, like  that  of  the  northern  Loon  (Cdi/mhus  glacialis)." 


2.  Spheniscus  demersus  {Linn.). 

Diomedea  demersa,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  214  (1766). 

Aptenodytea  mngnirostru,  Pkale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  263  (1848).* 

Edwards's  Birds,  Plate  XCIV;  Buff.  PI.  Enl.  382,  1005;  D'Orb. 
Reg.  An.  Ois.  Plate  XC,  fig.  3.  '   '    . 


j| 


The  only  specimen  of  this  species  was  obtained  at  Cape  Horn,  and 
is  that  of  a  young  bird  very  nearly  in  the  plumage  represented  in 
Edwards's  Plate,  cited  above  (fig,  2).  We  have,  however,  no  doubt  as 
to  the  ii'^x:ntity  of  the  species. 

*  "  Bill  large,  fleshy  near  the  base ;  upper  miindible  with  a  short  abrupt  hook,  fitting 
to  a  truncation  at  the  extremity  of  the  lower  mandible  ;  goiiys  short,  black,  the  rest  of 
the  lower  mandible  brown,  straight,  and  almost  bare  of  feathers  at  base;  above  brown, 
beneath  white  ;  throat  light  brown,  a  brown  ring  encircling  the  neck  ;  wings  black  above, 
white  beneath,  and  having  a  black  line  on  the  radius  ;  feet  cinereous,  the  nails  large, 
strong,  black,  and  much  curved  ;  tail  very  short,  consisting  of  sixteen  feathers,  which  are 
hid  by  the  coverts. 

"Total  length,  twenty-five  and  four-fifths  inches;  wing,  along  the  front  edge,  eight 
and  two-tenths  inches;  bill,  along  the  keel,  six  and  six-tenths  inches;  commissure,  two 
and  beven-tcnths  inches;  middle  toe,  including  the  nail,  four  inches;  nail,  eight-tenths 
of  an  inch  '" 


NATATORES. 


355 


3.  Spheniscus  minob  (Forster). 
Aptenodytes  minor,  FoRSTER,  Comm.  Gott.  Ill,  p.  147  (1781). 

Lath.  Gen.  Syn.  Ill,  Plate  GUI ;  Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VII,  Plat© 
LXXXIV. 

Of  this  curious  and  handsome  little  Penguin,  specimens  of  male  and 
female  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  though  presenting  no 
characters  other  than  have  i>een  described  by  naturalists.  It  is  one 
of  the  smallest  of  the  birds  of  this  group. 

Mr.  Peale  observes : 

"  It  is  quite  common  in  the  Bay  of  Islands,  New  Zealand ;  it  is 
always  to  be  found  on  salt  water,  and  most  plenty  near  the  sea.  It 
swims  with  greater  velocity  beneath  the  surface  of  the  water  than  it 
does  on  it,  which  is  not  remarkable  nor  confined  to  this  species,  but  is 
common  to  the  genus.  They  subsist  mostly  on  fishes,  which  have  to 
be  caught  in  their  native  element,  so  that  the  structure  of  the  birl 
must  be  such  as  to  enable  it  to  pursue  its  prey  with  ease.  Those 
killed  by  us  were  excessively  fat."  • 

According  to  Mr.  Peale,  this  bird  is  called  Korora  by  the  natives. 

Sphe7ii8cu8  undina,  Gould,  though  resembling  the  species  now  before 
us  in  general  appearance,  is  smaller  and  entirely  distinct.  Specimens 
are  in  Mr.  Gould's  Australian  collection,  now  in  the  Museum  of  the 
Philadelphia  Academy, 


4.  Family  PELECANID^.— The  Pelicans,  Cormorants,  &c. 
1.  Gbnus  PELECANUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  215  (17G6). 

1.  Pelecanus  ertthrobiiynchds,  Omelin. — The  American 

White  Pelican. 


Ml 


Pelecanus  enjthrorhynchus,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  571  (1788). 
Pekc.anm  tmchyrhyavhxii,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  II,  p.  884  (1790), 
Pelecunufi  americanus,  AuD.  Orn.  Biog.  IV,  p.  88  (1838). 


356 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Museum  Leverianum,  Plate  CCIX;  Trans.  Berlin  Acad.  1838, 
Plate  III;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCCXI;  octavo  edition,  VII,  Plate 
CCCCXXII. 

This  bird,  though  of  rare  occurrence  on  the  northern  coasts  of 
Eastern  America,  is  not  uncommon  on  the  Pacific,  throughout  Cali- 
fornia and  Oregon,  at  a  higher  latitude  than  it  is  commonly  observed 
on  the  Atlantic.  It  was  frequently  noticed  by  the  naturalists  of  the 
Expedition,  and  the  specimens  in  the  collection  present  no  distinctive 
characters  from  others  obtained  in  the  Southern  States  on  the  At> 
lantic. 

Mr.  Peale  observes  : 

"  Specimens  were  obtained  at  Gray's  Harbor,  on  the  northwest 
coast  of  America,  and  this  bird  was  again  met  with  in  the  Bay  of 
San  Francisco,  in  California.  Young  birds  are  not  purely  white  like 
the  old  ones,  which  have  black  primary  quills,  but  they  have  more  or 
less  brown  in  their  plumage,  particularly  on  their  wings.  The  young 
are  destitute  of  the  elevated  ridge  of  the  upper  mandible,  which  in- 
creases with  their  age,  and  is  a  strong  characteristic  of  the  species." 

Dr.  Pickering  especially  notices  this  bird  as  having  been  seen  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Sacramento  River,  California,  in  considerable  numbers. 


'    2.  Pelecanus  Fnscus,  Linn. — The  Brown  Pelican. 

Pclecanut  fu»cu»,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  215  (1766). 
Felecanut  carolinensis,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  571  (1788), 

■     Edw.  Birds,  Plate  XCIII ;  Buff.  PI.  Enl.  957 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCLI,  CCCCXXIj  oct.  ed.  VII,  Plates  CCCCXXIII,  CCCCXXIV. 


This  species  is  also  frequently  mentioned  by  the  naturalists  of  the 
Expedition,  and  appears  to  be  abundant  on  the  coast  of  the  Pacific. 

Mr.  Peale  states  with  reference  to  this  bird : 

*'  Common  on  the  northwest  coast  of  America.  We  saw  large  flocks 
of  this  species  in  the  Bay  of  San  Francisco,  in  California,  and  also  in 
the  Bay  of  Calluo,  in  Peru.  It  may  always  be  distinguished  by  its 
peculiar  mode  of  plunging  from  th?  air  into  the  water,  in  pursuit  of 
fishes,  an  exploit  common  in  this  bird,  but  which  we  have  never  seen 


NATATORES. 


357 


performed  by  the  Rough-billed  or  White  Pelican.   It  migrates  iu  flocks, 
which  fly  in  diagonal  lines." 

Dr.  Pickering  alludes  to  this  species  as  having  been  observed  in 
considerable  numbers  at  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia  River,  usually  in 
small  flocks,  and  also  in  the  Sacramento  River.  In  his  notes  made 
during  a  boat-voyage  up  the  latter,  we  find  the  following  : 

"  September  9th,  1841.  Landed  in  various  places,  and  once  on  a 
small  rocky  islet,  where  great  numbers  of  Shags,  Gulls,  and  Pelicans, 
had  been  disturbed  at  our  approach.  The  last  were  not,  however,  so 
numerous  as  the  former.  Several  Pelicans  were  seen  fishing,  which 
was  accomplished  with  more  grace  and  apparent  success  than  would 
readily  be  supposed  from  tlie  general  appearance  of  this  bird.  In  this 
instance,  the  wind  was  blowing  rather  freslily,  and  apparently  somo 
what  interfered  with  them.  After  sailing  around  a  little  while,  the 
Pelican  turns  suddenly  and  darts  obliquely  into  the  water,  appearing 
to  use  its  pouch  as  a  scoop.  It  does  not  dive  deep,  but  reappears  on 
the  surface  almost  immediately. 

"  The  position  of  this  bird  when  standing  on  the  rocks  sometimes 
seemed  quite  ludicrous,  the  neck  being  stretched  upright  as  far  as  pos- 
sible, and  the  bill  flexed  vertically  downwards.  The  neck  and  legs  are 
not  extended  during  flight,  which  somewhat  reminded  me  of  that  of  the 
Canada  Goose,  and  the  movement  of  the  wings  is  in  most  respects 
similar,  except  the  sailing  at  short  intervals.  All  the  Pelicans  ob- 
served after  passing  a  short  distance  up  the  Sacramento,  appeared  to 
be  the  Brown  species,  and  I  was  rather  surprised  to  see  it  abundant  in 
a  latitude  so  far  north. 

"  A  pet  Pelican  spoken  of  by  one  of  our  party  as  having  been  kept 
on  board  of  an  American  vessel,  was  represented  as  having  been  ex- 
ceedingly voracious  and  little  less  choice  in  its  food  than  an  Ostrich. 
It  would  swallow  pieces  of  iron,  stones,  and  other  hard  substances,  and 
even  though  carefully  watched,  would  sometimes  steal  the  pork  of  a 
mess,  and  swallow  the  entire  piece  at  once." 

3,  Pelecanus  roseds,  Omelin. — The  East  India  Pelican. 

PekcanuB  roseui,  6m.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  670  (1788). 

Ftlrtnnus  manUensix  itphillppennis,  Gm.  Syat.  Nat.  I,  p.  571  (1788). 

FilecaHUij'avanicus,  IIoiisF.  Traus.  hiun.  Soc.  London,  XIII,  p.  197  (1822). 


Buff.  PI.  Enl.  9G5. 


90 


5f 


tl 


m 
m 


358 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Both  Dr.  Pickering  and  Mr.  Feale  mention  having  seen  living  spe- 
cimens of  this  fine  species  in  confinement  at  Singapore.  It  appears 
to  be  abundant  on  the  coasts  of  Asia  and  the  Asiatic  Islands. 


2.  Genus  TACHYPETES,  Vieill.  Analyse,  p.  68  (1816). 

1.  Tachypetes  aquila  {Linn.). — The  Frigate  Pelican. 
The  Man-of-War  Bird. 

Pfhcanui  Aquilut,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  216  (1766). 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  961;  Spix.  Av.  Bras.  II,  Plate  CV;  Vieill.  Gal.  II, 
Plate  CCLXXIV;  And.  B.  of  Am.  Plate  CCLXXI;  octavo  ed.  VII, 
Plate  CCCCXXI. 


m 


Though  no  specimen  of  this  species  is  in  the  collection,  it  is  fre- 
quently mentioned  by  the  naturalists  attached  to  the  Expedition. 

This  species  is  that  which  is  found  on  the  shores  of  the  Atlantic 
Ocean,  from  the  coasts  of  the  Southern  United  States  and  of  the  West 
Indies,  thence  throughout  the  entire  extent  of  South  America  to  Cape 
Horn.  Its  further  range  is  yet  undetermined ;  the  species  which  is 
the  subject  of  our  next  article,  having  universally  but  erroneously  been 
regarded  as  identical  with  the  present  bird  by  modern  ornithologists 
and  voyagers. 

The  bird  now  before  us  is  the  largest  of  the  species  of  this  genus, 
and  may  readily  be  distinguished  from  others  by  this  character,  though 
in  general  form  and  in  colors,  there  is  almost  complete  similarity.  In 
this  bird  the  primary  quills  and  feathers  of  the  tail  are  remarkably 
wide,  and  the  shafts  strong. 

Dr.  Pickering  notices  the  bird  now  before  us,  as  numerous  at  Rio 
de  Janeiro.  He  observes :  "  This  bird  is  common  all  over  the  Bay, 
presenting  the  appearance  of  a  gigantic  swallow,  sailing  leisurely  around 
at  no  great  height,  occasionally  Happing  its  wings,  and  sometimes 
descending  not  very  gracefully,  to  pick  up  objects  attracting  its  atten- 
tion on  the  surface  of  the  water.  It  was  by  no  means  shy  nor  dlflicult 
to  procure,  and  would  frequently  come  down  in  the  midst  of  the  ship- 
ping lying  at  anchor,  but  would  rise  again  immediately.  It  was  not 
seen  here  outside  of  the  Bay  of  Rio  de  Janeiro,  on  any  occasion." 


#i 


NATATORES.  .     359 


2.  Tachypetes  Palmerstoni  {Qmelin). — The  Frigate  Pelican 

of  the  Pacific. 

Pelecanut  Palmerttoni,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  573  (1788). 

Form. — Generally  similar  to  Tachypetes  aquila,  but  rather  smaller,  and 
with  the  quills  and  feathers  of  the  tail  comparatively  narrow. 
Gular  pouch  in  males  very  large,  pendant ;  bill  long,  hooked  ab- 
ruptly at  the  end,  wide  at  base,  somewhat  depressed.  Wings  long, 
first  primaries  longest ;  tail  long,  deeply  forked ;  feet  and  legs  short, 
weak ;  anterior  toen  united  at  base;  tarsi  very  short;  front  feathers 
of  the  tibia  long.  Feathers  of  the  neck  behind  and  back  long, 
lanceolate. 

Dimensions. — Male.  Total  length  (of  skin),  about  thirty -seven 
inches  ;  wing,  twenty-one  and  a  half  inches  ;  tail,  fifteen  and  a  half 
inches ;  bill,  from  corner  of  mouth  directly  to  tip  of  upper  man- 
dible, four  and  a  half  inches. 


Colors. — Adult  male.  Entire  plumage  black,  with  green,  blue,  and 
purple  metallic  lustre  on  the  upper  parts,  especially  observable  on  the 
back.  Under  parts  paler,  and  without  lustre.  Quills  black,  tinged 
with  ashy  on  their  inner  webs ;  feathers  of  the  tail  black,  slightly 
tinged  above  with  ashy,  paler  beneath ;  shafts  of  tail-feathers  and  of 
quills  above  and  below,  white  at  base.  Bill  (in  dried  skin),  dark 
horn-color,  tip  yellowish-white.     Gular  pouch  *' blood-red"  (Peal6). 

Female.  With  a  bare  space  on  the  throat,  but  without  the  gular 
pouch.  Breast  white.  Other  parts  of  plumage  as  in  the  male. 
Slightly  larger  than  the  male? 

Young.  Head  and  neck  white,  strongly  tinged  with  fulvous,  espe- 
cially on  the  neck  in  front  above  the  breast.  Abdomen  white  ;  breast 
black.  Entire  upper  plumage  of  the  body,  the  wings,  and  tail,  black. 
Shoulders  and  some  of  the  coverts  of  the  wings  paler  and  edged  with 
ashy  white. 

This  species,  which  we  have  no  hesitation  in  concluding  to  be  that 
indicated  by  Gmelin  and  Latham,  as  .above  cited,  appears  to  be  ex- 
clusively an  inhabitant  of  the  Pacific  Ocean  and  its  islands.  In  the 
collection  of  the  Expedition,  there  are  numerous  specimens  according 


m 


■  ■m 


360 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


with  each  other  exactly  in  their  specific  characters,  and  readily  dis- 
tinguishable from  the  well-known  species  of  the  Atlantic  coast. 

This  bird  was  first  described  by  Latham,  from  a  specimen  in  the 
collection  of  Sir  Joseph  Banks,  in  General  Synopsis  of  Birds,  III,  p. 
592,  as  the  "  Palmerston  Frigate  Pelican,"  but  without  a  systematic 
appellation.  Subsequently,  Gmelin  named  it  I^lecanua  Rilmeratoni, 
as  above  cited.  Latham's  specimen  was  evidently  a  female,  and  from 
the  description,  was  quite  identical  with  that  sex  of  our  present  spe- 
cimens. 

From  the  preceding  species,  the  bird  now  before  us  may  be  distin- 
guished by  its  inferior  size,  though  not  so  small  as  Tachypetea  Ariel, 
Gould.  Its  quill  and  tail  feathers  are  much  narrower,  and  its  gular 
pouch  much  larger.  The  latter  character  may  not,  however,  be  en- 
tirely reliable  specifically,  as  its  greater  development  may  be  charac- 
teristic of  the  male  of  this  species,  and  of  others  of  its  genus  during 
the  breeding  season,  and  of  a  similar  character  to  the  increased  size 
and  apparently  more  excited  condition  of  analogous  appendages  in 
various  other  birds  at  that  period,  as  for  instance,  the  domestic  Turkey, 
and  also  the  Wild  Turkey  of  North  America.  Numerous  birds  have 
bare  spaces  and  wattles  on  the  head  and  neck,  in  all  of  which  we  sus- 
pect that  the  size,  and  in  some  measure  the  color  of  those  appendages 
are  dependent  on  the  season.  In  the  Pigeons  of  the  Genus  Carpo- 
phaga,  the  fleshy  protuberances  on  the  bill  and  its  base,  we  much  sus- 
pect, assume  the  sexual  and  seasonal  character  to  which  we  allude. 
In  a  degree,  this  development  of  appendages  in  the  breeding  season, 
is  iinalogous  to  the  growth  of  horns  in  the  Deers  at  the  same  period, 
and  to  be  lost  when  it  subsides. 

•  Both  Dr.  Pickering  and  Mr.  Peale  frequently  allude  to  the  present 
bird,  and  though  generally  under  the  head  of  Ihchypetee  aquila,  both 
intimate  doubts  respecting  the  identity  of  the  birds  of  the  Atlantic 
and  of  the  Pacific  Oceans.  Mr.  Peale's  observations  are  especially  in- 
teresting and  valuable,  and  as  they  undoubtedly  mainly  relate  to  the 
species  now  before  us,  we  lay  them  entire  before  the  reader : 

"  This  remarkable  bird  seems  to  occupy  the  entire  intertropical  cir- 
cuit of  the  globe.  We  saw  it  at  all  the  coral  islets  which  we  passed 
or  visited  in  the  Pacific  and  Indian  Oceans.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that 
we  have  not  the  means  of  comparing  specimens  collected  in  different 
localities  (ours  were  all  collected  in  the  Pacific  Ocean) ;  for,  notwith- 


NATATORES. 


361 


standing  the  great  similarity  of  appearance  in  those  of  the  two  great 
oceans,  we  think  there  is  some  difference  in  their  habits." 

"  On  the  east  coast  of  America,  the  Frigate  Pelican  or  Man-of-War 
Hawk,  is  a  common  scavenger  in  almost  every  harbor.  It  frequents 
the  landing-places  near  the  markets,  and  is  most  numerous  near  the 
haunts  of  man ;  while  in  the  Pacific  and  Indian  Oceans,  we  observed 
it  most  plentiful  on  uninhabited  islands. 

"  At  Honden  or  Dog  Island,  one  of  the  Dangerous  Archipelago,  the 
numbers  of  birds  of  various  kinds  found  breeding  on  the  20th  of 
August,  were  so  great,  that  our  readers  would  doubt  the  enumeration, 
were  it  attempted.  The  nests  were  on  the  trees,  bushes,  ground,  and 
even  amongst  the  masses  of  broken  coral  thrown  up  by  the  sea.  The 
birds  were  so  unsuspicious,  that  in  some  instances  we  had  to  lift  them 
off  their  nests  with  our  hands,  in  order  to  examine  the  eggs ;  the  con- 
fusion of  sounds  made  the  place  a  perfect  Babel.  The  most  conspi- 
cuous were  Frigate  Birds,  the  nests  of  which,  constructed  of  a  few 
sticks  only,  covered  many  of  the  trees  by  their  numbers.  The  hoarse 
croaking  and  screaming  as  we  disturbed  them,  were  incessant.  Both 
males  and  females  were  observed  sitting  on  their  single  egg,  which  is 
of  a  bluish-white  color.  The  largest  egg  selected  measures  two  and 
eight-tenths  inches  long,  by  one  and  eight-tenths  inches  in  diameter ; 
the  smallest  two  and  four-tenths  inches  long,  by  one  and  seven-ten' 
inches  in  diameter.  The  males  inflated  their  gular  pouches  to  the  size 
of  a  child'_.  head,  and  flew  with  it  inflated  and  pendent  from  their 
necks,  presenting  a  r.iost  singular  appearance,  the  pouch  being  of  a 
olood-red  color;  the  voice  is  guttural,  loud,  and  hoarse.  The  old 
males  are  of  a  uniform  dark  plumage,  and  can  always  be  distinguished 
by  the  long  pointed  and  iridescent  plumage  of  their  backs.  The  females 
have  a  white  breast.  The  young  have,  in  addition  to  the  white  breast 
of  It/  c  mother,  a  white  head,  which  is  usually  tinged  with  ferruginous 
yellow ;  those  in  the  nests  are  covered  with  a  fine  snow-white  down, 
sometimes  stained  yellowish  about  the  bill ;  the  young  feathers  as  they 
shoot  through  the  down  on  their  backs,  bemg  large  and  dark-colored, 
present  a  singular  contrast  to  the  white  down. 

"  Both  sexes  are  very  noisy  when  their  nest  is  approached,  yet  at 

Honden  Island,  they  suffered  us  to  take  them  off  the  branches  of  the 

trees  with  our  hands.     From  the  weakness  of  their  small  feet  and 

legs,  when  sitting  on  a  branch,  they  are  obliged  to  balance  their  bodies 

in  a  horizontal  position. 

^1 


fS(' 


*.", 


,irA\ 


i3 


362 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


pal 


"  Frigate  Pelicans  were  seen  in  the  month  of  January,  on  Enderby's 
Island,  and  as  it  was  destitute  of  trees,  they  had  constructed  their 
rude  nests  on  the  ground.  We  are  led  to  conclude,  from  the  fact 
that  fresh  eggs  were  obtained  in  each  place,  and  young  birds  found 
in  various  stages  of  growth,  in  the  months  of  January  and  August, 
besides  others  seen  at  intervening  periods,  that  they  have  no  fixed 
season  devoted  to  their  broods  in  equatorial  regions. 

"  Mr.  Audubon,  who  visited  the  breeding-places  of  the  Frigate  Peli- 
cans, on  the  Florida  Keys,  which  are  coral  islets  analogous  to  those  of 
the  Pacific  Ocean,  did  not  observe  the  males  in  the  breeding  season 
to  have  the  habit  of  inflaiing  the  gular  pouch,  a  habit  which  struck 
all  of  us  who  visited  their  nests  on  the  coral  islets  of  the  Pacific  Ocean, 
as  very  remarkable,  from  their  singular  and  bloody  appearance.  And 
as  he  remarks,  *  they  are  extremely  silent,'  we  are  led  to  believe  that 
there  may  be  specific  differences  between  the  Frigate  Birds  of  the  two 
great  oceans,  which  have  not  yet  been  detected.  They  are  the  most 
noisy,  excepting  the  Terns  {Sterna),  of  all  the  birds  we  saw  breeding 
on  the  coral  islets  of  the  Pacific  Ocean.  Their  incubating  a  single 
egg  in  regions  near  the  equator,  and  two  or  three,  *  more  frequently 
the  latter  number,'  as  Mr.  Audubon  remarks,  in  Florida,  may  be  in 
consequence  of  the  variation  of  climate,  which  limits  them  to  one 
breeding  season;  but  the  bloody-looking  pouch,  and  the  scolding 
croak,  would  always,  we  should  suppose,  betray  the  identity  to  per- 
sons visiting  their  nests. 

"  The  subjoined  wood-cut  is  from  a  sketch  of  a  male  Tachypetea  ob- 
tained at  Honden  Island,  in  the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  represents  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  gular  pouch  when  inflated.  The  manner  of  inflation 
is  like  that  of  the  Cropper  Pigeon." 

Dr.  Pickering  notices  this  bird  at  various  localities  in  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  and  especially  as  occurring  in  large  numbers  at  Wilkes's  Island, 
and  at  Sydney  Island,  in  addition  to  the  localities  given  by  Mr.  Peale. 
He  mentions  having  repeatedly  observed  it  soaring  at  an  immense 
height  in  the  air. 

It  is  probable  that  besides  the  two  species  now  given,  the  natural- 
ists of  the  Expedition  may  have  seen  another,  the  Tachypetea  Ariel, 
Gould,  though  we  are  not  able  to  determine  that  point  from  the  notes 
and  journals  in  our  possession.  Dr.  Pickering  does,  however,  in  seve- 
ral instances,  remark,  that  specimen^  seen  by  him  were  unusually 
small;  and  such  may  have  been  the  species  to  which  we  now  allude, 


NATATOBES. 


363 


the  much  smaller  size  than  either  of  the  preceding  being  its  essential 
distinguishing  character.  Under  date  of  July  19th,  lat.  13°  38'  S., 
long.  89°  24'  W.,  we  find  the  following  in  Dr.  Pickering's  Journal : 
"At  10 J  A. M.  two  Frigate  Birds  were  seen,  which  appeared  desirous 
of  alighting,  but  after  hovering  around  the  Vincennes  and  the  Por- 
poise for  some  time,  disappeared.  We  saw  nothing  of  this  bird  at  Cal- 
lao,  nor  at  Valparaiso,  and  were  at  a  loss  to  conjecture  where  they 
could  have  come  from,  as  we  had  only  heretofore  noticed  it  in  the 
vicinity  of  land.  The  species  seemed  to  be  different  from  the  Bra- 
zilian, and  smaller.  The  head  and  under  parts  of  the  body  white  in 
both  specimens.     Nearest  land  660  miles." 

The  small  species  alluded  to  above  as  Tachypetes  Ariel,  Gould,  is 
very  probably  the  same  as  Pehcanus  minor,  Graelin. 


BEAD  OK  TACHYPETES  PALMERSTONI, 


3.  Genus  SULA,  Brhmn,  Orn.  VI,  p.  495  (1760). 
1.  SuLA  FIBER  {Linn.). — The  Brown  Gannet.    The  Booby, 

Pclecanus  Fiber,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  218  (1766). 

Pelecanut  Sula,  LiNN.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  218  (1766). 

Pelecanus  parvus,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  579  (1788)? 

Sulafmca,  ViElLL.  Gal.  II,  p.  194  (1825). 

Sula  brasilieims,  Spix.  Av.  Bras.  II,  p.  83  (1825). 

Sula  mutralis,  Stephens,  Gen.  Zool.  XIII,  p.  104  (1826), 

Catesby's    Carolina,    Plate    LXXXVII;    Vieill.   Gal.   II,   Plate 


364 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


m 

m 


CCLXXVII;   Aud.  B.  of  Am.   Plate  CCVII;  oot.  ed.  VII,  Plate 
CCCCXXVIj  Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VII,  Plate  LXXVIII. 

One  of  the  most  extensively  diffused  of  aquatic  birds,  being  found 
abundantly  on  both  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  coasts  of  the  southern 
portion  of  the  continent  of  America,  and  throughout  the  Pacific  Ocean 
to  the  coasts  of  Asia.  It  frequents  the  islands  near  the  coast  of  Flo- 
rida, and  others  in  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  in  large  numbers,  and  at  those 
localities  rears  its  young,  and  also  quite  as  numerously  and  for  the 
same  purpose,  many  islands  in  the  Pacific  Ocean. 

After  close  examination  of  a  large  number  of  specimens  from  locali* 
ties  widely  remote  from  eich  other,  we  find  no  specific  difierences. 

This  bird  is  thus  mentioned  by  Mr.  Peale  : 

"  Brown  Boobies  were  found  breeding  on  nearly  all  the  coral  islands 
visited  by  the  Expedition,  while  in  the  Pacific  Ocean.  Their  nests 
were  constructed  of  sticks  and  weeds,  on  bushes  and  low  trees,  and 
were  generally  found  to  contain  but  one  egg,  of  a  bluish-white  color. 
They  take  their  food,  which  consists  entirely  of  fishes,  by  plunging 
after  it  like  the  Terns  (Sterna),  and  very  frequently  they  are  seen 
coursing  the  ocean  at  great  distances  from  land,  which  renders  the 
following  incident  the  more  remarkable. 

"  While  exploring  Enderby's  Island,  which  is  of  coral  formation, 
we  found  a  fiill-pluinaged  bird  of  this  species,  that  is,  one  having  a 
white  breast,  which  indicated  that  it  was  several  years  old,  at  least  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  shore,  and  on  picking  it  up,  we  were  sur- 
prised to  find  that  it  had  but  one  wing,  the  other  having  been,  by  some 
accident,  taken  off"  close  to  the  body.  The  wound  was  perfectly  healed ; 
the  bird  in  excellent  health  and  very  fat !  It  was  fed  by  its  comrades, 
which  were  younger  birds,  as  indicated  by  the  brown  plumage  of  their 
breasts,  and  they  continued,  while  we  were  near,  to  display  all  the 
careful  anxiety  of  parents." 

Dr.  Pickering  first  mentions  this  species  as  having  been  noticed  in  the 
Bay  of  Kio  de  Janeiro.  lie  says  it  was  "common  near  the  mouth  of 
the  Bay,  and  apparently  by  no  means  deserving  the  name  of  *  Booby,' 
which  has  been  bestowed  on  it.  Its  flight  is  very  easy,  and  it  fre- 
quently dives  directly  into  the  water,  disappearing  entirely  for  some 
moments."  He  again  notices  it  at  various  localities,  and  as  particu- 
larly abundant  at  Aurora  Island,  in  the  month  of  September. 

On  the  Atlantic  coast  of  North  America,  this  species  is  found  as  far 


NATA  TORES. 


365 


north  as  the  coast  of  Georgia.     Specimens  from  various  localities  are 
in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 

The  Prince  Bonaparte,  in  his  Monograph  of  the  Pelecanidae,  in 
Conspectus  Avium,  Vol.  II,  p.  164,  regards  this  species  as  generically 
distinct  from  that  immediately  succeeding,  and  adopts  for  it  the  name 
Dysporxis,  lUiger.  He  regards  also  the  name  Rlecanua  parvus,  Gme- 
lin,  as  applicable  to  the  American  Bird,  the  only  difference  between 
which  and  that  of  other  countries,  is  stated  to  be  the  smaller  size  of 
the  former.  We  have  not  succeeded  in  detecting  any  reliable  distinc- 
tive characters  in  the  specimens  in  our  possession. 


2.  SuLA  CAPENSis,  Lkhtenstehi. 

"  Suhi  capensis,  LiCHT."  Bonap.  Consp.  Av.  II,  p.  165  (1855). 
"  Suta  melanura,  Temm."  Bonap.  ut  lupra. 

Reich.  Vollst.  Naturg.  Birds,  Plate  LIV,  figs.  2292,  2293. 

Dr.  Pickering  notices  the  occurrence  of  this  species  at  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope.  We  do  not  find  it  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition, 
but  specimens  in  various  stages  of  plumage  are  in  the  Museum  of  the 
Philadelphia  Academy,  from  Southern  and  Western  Africa,  all  of 
which  constantly  present  the  specific  characters  relied  on  by  natural- 
ists as  distinguishing  it  from  iSula  bassana. 

The  most  obvious  character  is  the  color  of  the  tail,  which  is  black 
in  the  present  species,  and  white  in  that  just  mentioned.  In  size  and 
general  appearance  the  two  species  much  resemble  each  other. 


*■<! 


3.  SuLA  PiscATOR  (Linn.). — The  Fishing  Gannet. 
Red-legged  Gannet. 


The 


PeUcanus  piscator,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  217  (1766). 

Sula  Candida,  Briss.  Orn.  VI,  p.  501 ;  Steph.  Gen.  Zool.  XIII,  p.  103  (1826). 

Snla  erijthrorliyncha,  Less.  Traite,  I,  p.  601  (1831). 

Sula  ruhripes,  GouLD,  Proc.  Zool.  See.  London,  1837,  p.  156. 

Sula  ruhripeda,  Pealej  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  274  (1st  ed.  1848).* 

*  '  Plumago  of  both  sexes  pure  white,  excepting  the  primaries,  secondaries,  and  first 
row  0  ■  groutc."  wing-coverts,  which  are  dark  brown,  with  a  hoary  surface;  tail  cuneiform, 


^ 


^ 


<i». 


o  *tf^^. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


Jl    125 

US 

■u  Uii   |2.2 
2.0 


140 


I 


1—  1'-^ 

■  1.6 

*     1 

< 

6"     — 

► 

Hiotographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


\ 


V 


y 


V> 


^ 


33  WIST  MAIN  STRUT 

V"^Kfei.',N.Y.  M5M 

(/t«)  •72-4503 


w 


i 


366 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VII,  Plate  LXXIX;  Reich.  VoUst.  Naturg. 
Birds,  Plate  LIII,  fig.  853,  Plate  LV,  fig.  2294. 

Specimens  of  this  handsome  Gannet,  are  in  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition,  from  several  localities.  They  are  in  various  stages  of  plu- 
mage, but  are  strictly  the  same  specifically  as  Mr.  Gould's  specimens, 
now  in  the  collection  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy.  The  latter  are 
from  Raine's  Island,  from  Northern  Australia,  and  other  localities  in 
the  Pacific  Ocean,  and  from  China.  Other  specimens  in  the  collection 
of  the  Academy  are  from  the  Indian  Ocean,  and  were  presented  by  its 
eminent  member,  Joseph  Carson,  M.D.,  Professor  of  Materia  Medica 
in  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  who,  during  a  voyage  to  China, 
made  a  valuable  collection. 

This  species  has,  therefore,  evidently  a  very  extensive  range  of 
locality,  and  is  perhaps,  the  most  widely  diffused  species  of  this  genus, 
except  the  Brown  Gannet  {Sula  fusca).  It  is  represented  as  very 
abundant  in  and  about  the  islands  north  and  east  of  Australia,  and 
we  have  ample  evidence  of  its  abundance  also  at  numerous  other  locali- 
ties, as  we  shall  show  in  the  statements  of  the  naturalists  of  the  Ex- 
ploring Expedition  in  the  course  of  the  present  article. 

Both  Dr.  Pickering  and  Mr.  Peale  frequently  note  the  occurrence 
of  tbis  bird,  the  latter  of  whom,  who  rather  unaccountably  regards  it 
as  an  undescribed  species,  thus  alludes  to  it : 

''  This  is  the  most  showy  as  well  as  the  most  common  species  of 
Booby,  that  occurs  in  the  Pacific  Ocean.  It  appeu:i  to  be  confined  to 
the  intertropical  regions,  but  ranges  from  the  shores  of  America  to 
those  of  Asia. 

white  (which  distinguishes  it  from  S.  piscator  at  first  sight,  its  tail  being  black) ;  bill 
deeply  serrated,  of  a  pale  blue  color,  margined  at  the  base  by  a  bright  red  and  wrinkled 
skin ;  cheeks  blue ;  eyelids  green ;  irides  brown  ;  gular  pouch  intense  black ;  feet  bright 
vermilion-red ;  middle  toe-nail  much  flattened,  curved  laterally,  and  deeply  pectinated  on 
the  inner  edge. 

"Total  length,  twenty-eight  and  a  half  inches;  extent  of  wings,  fifty-nine  inches;  bill, 
three  and  two-tenths  inches ;  commissure,  four  and  one-tenth  inches ;  tarsi,  one  and 
four-tenths  inches;  middle  toe,  including  the  nail,  three  inches;  nail,  seven-tenths  of 
an  inch ;  tail,  eight  and  a  half  inches ;  outer  feathers,  four  and  three-tenths  inches. 

<<  The  young  when  first  hatched  are  covered  with  a  very  white  down  ;  their  first  plu- 
mage is  entirely  brown,  clouded  with  hoary,  but  the  color  soon  becomes  lighter  about 
the  head,  neck,  breast,  and  tail.  The  neck  and  tail  next  become  white,  and  finally  the 
whole  plumage,  excepting  the  greater  feathers  of  the  wings.  These  changes  require 
several  years." 


it 


IS: 


NATAT0RR3. 


367 


"  At  Honden  Island,  we  found  them,  on  the  21st  day  of  August, 
constructing  their  nests,  in  great  numbers,  on  bushes  from  four  to  six 
feet  above  the  ground,  thj  materials  used  were  weeds,  and  the  struc- 
ture  w?i8  rude.  They  had  not  then  began  to  lay  their  eggs,  but  were  so 
unsuspicious  that  we  took  as  many  as  were  wanted,  in  different  stages 
of  plumage,  from  the  bushes  with  our  hands.  Sometimes  they  fought, 
rather  than  leave  their  nests,  uttering  a  hoarse  grunting  cry,  and 
biting  severely,  and  aiming  their  blows  at  our  eyes  when  not  carefully 
guarded. 

"  Amongst  many  hundred  pairs,  at  the  island  above  named,  all  pre- 
paring to  raise  broods,  we  saw  but  about  a  dozen  with  the  pure  white 
plumage,  which  is  the  dress  of  the  mature  birds." 

"  At  Enderby's  Island,  we  found  them  with  nests  on  the  bushes  in 
the  same  manner  as  at  Honden  Island,  but  constructed  of  different 
materials,  dry  sticks  being  used  in  the  place  of  weeds.  It  was  in  the 
month  of  January.  Some  of  the  nests  contained  a  newly  laid  egg, 
others  contained  young  birds  in  various  stages  of  growth.  It  was  very 
rarely  that  we  found  two  young  birds  or  two  eggs  in  the  same  nest,  but 
almost  always  a  single  one  of  either. 

"  The  young  when  first  hatched  are  covered  with  a  very  white 
down ;  their  first  plumage  is  entirely  brown,  clouded  with  hoary,  but 
the  color  soon  becomes  lighter  about  the  head,  neck,  breast,  and  tail. 
The  neck  and  tail  next  become  white,  and  finally  the  whole  plumage, 
except  the  greater  feathers  of  the  wings ;  these  changes  requiring 
several  years." 

Dr.  Pickering  alludes  to  this  bird  as  abundant  at  Gardner's  Island, 
and  as  stated  by  Mr.  Peale,  always  building  its  nest  in  trees  or  bushes. 
"  The  egg,"  he  observes,  "  is  single  and  smaller  than  that  of  the  larger 
white  species  {Sula  personata),  and  more  elongated.  It  is  white,  with 
a  bluish  tint."  He  mentions  it  as  abundant  also  at  McKean's  Island, 
at  Sydney  Island,  and  at  Wake's  Island,  and  as  having  been  seen  also 
at  the  Philippines. 

'.Numerous  specimens,  in  adult  and  young  plumage,  and  from  various 
localities,  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition.  This  bird  is  very 
handsomely  and  accurately  represented  in  Mr.  Gould's  plate  in  his 
splendid  work  on  the  Birds  of  Australia,  cited  above. 


368 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


4.  SuLA  PERSOXATA,  QouM. — The  Masked  Gannet. 

Snla  personata,  GouLD,  Proo.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1846,  p.  21. 

"  Sula  piscator,  Lath."  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  278  (ed.  1848). 

"  Sula  cyanops,  SuNDEVAL,"  Bonap.  Consp.  At.  II,  p.  166. 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VII,  Plate  LXXVII;  Reich.  Vollst.  Naturg. 
Birds,  Plate  LIV,  figs.  2289,  2290,  2291. 

This  handsome  species  of  Gannet,  first  brought  to  the  notice  of 
naturalists  by  the  eminent  English  ornithologist,  Mr.  Gould,  is  men- 
tioned as  having  been  observed  in  large  numbers  by  the  naturalists  of 
the  Expedition.  Though  noticed  at  various  localities,  it  was  found 
most  abundant  at  Honden  Island  and  Enderby's  Island,  in  both  of 
which  it  was  engaged  in  the  duties  of  incubation. 

Apparently,  or  so  far  as  is  known,  this  species  inhabits  an  extent 
of  the  Pacific  Ocean  and  its  islands,  of  which  Northern  Australia  is 
the  southwestern  limit,  and  is  more  abundant  in  the  northern  and 
eastern  portion  of  its  range,  at  least  during  the  season  devoted  to  rear- 
ing its  young.  It  is  possible,  however,  that  it  may  occur  as  nume- 
rously on  the  eastern  coast  of  Australia,  the  zoology  of  which  has 
been  but  partially  investigated. 

Specimens,  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  of  this  bira  in  various 
stages  of  plumage,  precisely  correspond  with  the  originals  from  which 
were  drawn  Mr.  Gould's  description  and  figures,  as  above  cited,  and 
which  are  now  in  the  collection  of  the  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences 
of  Philadelphia.  Mr.  Gould's  specimens  are  marked  as  having  been 
collected  at  Raine's  Island,*  in  Torres'  Straits,  and  are  so  alluded  to  in 
bis  splendid  and  elaborate  work, ''  The  Birds  of  Australia." 

Mr.  Peale  states  with  reference  to  this  species  : 

"  This  bird  was  first  seen  by  the  Expedition  on  the  20th  of  July,  in 
latitude  13°  30'  28"  S.,  and  longitude  89°  25'  W.  One  month  after- 
wards, it  was  found  in  great  numbers  at  Honden  Island,  one  of  the 
most  eastern  of  the  Paumotu  Group.  They  were  sitting  on  a  single 
egg  each,  one  bird  only  having  two  eggs ;  they  had  no  nest  whatever, 
not  even  a  cavity  scratched  in  the  sand.     Flat,  dry,  sandy  beaches 

■•■  <<  A  vegetated  sandbank  in  the  line  of  the  Qreat  Barrier  Reef."  Mr.  McGillivray, 
iu  Gould's  Birds  of  Australia. 


NATAT0BE8. 


369 


were  selected  on  the  shores  of  the  lagoons  which  are  commonly  found 
in  coral  islands,  where,  under  some  low  bush,  the  female  lays  her  egg 
on  the  bare  ground,  and  is  assisted  by  the  male  in  the  oflBce  of  incu- 
bation. They  remain  very  gravely  at  their  stations,  disregarding  the 
enormous  land  crabs,  the  Frigate  Birds,  or  even  man,  who  is  the  terror 
of  most  animals.  We  pushed  many  of  these  birds  oflF  their  nests  with 
the  muzzles  of  our  guns,  to  see  whether  they  had  more  than  one  egg  to 
each  pair  of  birds ;  they  fought  and  scuffled  with  the  offensive  weapon, 
but  returned  the  moment  it  was  withdrawn.  One  or  two  were  suffi- 
ciently cunning,  after  a  first  attempt,  to  bite  our  hands  in  place  of  the 
gun-barrel.  They  hissed  like  the  domestic  Goose,  and  have  besides,  a 
very  coarse  croaking  voice. 

"  The  egg  is  two  and  six-tenths  inches  long,  and  one  and  eight-tenths 
inches  in  diameter,  equally  rounded  at  both  ends  in  some,  while  others 
r  t  somewhat  pointed  at  one  end;  the  color  is  bluish-green  inside,  and 
covered  outside  with  a  dry,  rough,  white  coating,  showing  the  color  of 
the  interior  through  it.  This  outside  coating  is  probably  soft  at  first, 
because  most  of  the  eggs  are  coated  more  or  less  with  coral  sand,  in- 
corporated with  the  surface  of  the  shell. 

"  The  young  of  tl  is  species  are  covered  with  a  fine  white  down,  and 
when  first  hatched,  resemble  a  powder-puff  with  a  black  handle,  the 
latter  being  represented  by  their  black  bills.  The  feathers  after- 
wards come  out  of  an  ash-color,  and  are  not  spotted  with  white,  like 
the  Gannets  of  the  north  {Sida  bassamis). 

"  The  seasons  for  incubation  do  not  seem  to  be  very  regular.  We 
found  them  sitting  and  hatching,  at  Euderby's  Island,  in  the  month  of 
January,  and  the  same  was  observed  at  other  places  at  intermediate 
seasons. 

"  We  never  saw  this  bird  construct  a  nest  in  trees  like  the  following 
species,  nor  is  it  so  numerous,  ':ut  is  generally  seen  in  the  same  parts 
of  the  Pacific  Ocean  lying  between  the  Paumotu  Islands,  and  the  coast 
of  Asia." 

This  bird  is  frequently  mentioned  in  Dr.  Pickering's  journal,  and  is 
particularly  noticed  by  him  as  abundant  at  Gardner's  Island,  at 
McKean's  Island,  and  at  Wake's  Island.  At  Gardner's  Island  he  ob- 
serves that  it  was  found  in  large  numbers,  and  engaged  in  the  duties 
of  incubation.  "  Thp  eggs  were  always  laid  on  the  ground  with  little 
or  no  semblance  of  a  nest,  and  in  one  instance  only,  two  eggs  were 
observed  together,  and  belonging  to  one  female.    In  all  other  cases 

93 


^m 


370 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


one  egg  or  young  bird  only  was  observed,  and  tbe  parent  birds  gene- 
rally would  not  leave  their  progeny  unless  compelled  by  force." 

Dr.  Pickering  also  records  having  noticed  this  species  at  sea,  after 
the  Expedition  left  the  Sandwich  Islands,  in  longitude  167°  SC  west. 
This  fact  we  are  the  more  particular  in  stating,  as  this  species  may 
yet  be  found  to  be  an  inhabitant  of  the  Pacific  coast  of  the  United 
States,  the  locality  last  mentioned  being  the  nearest  to  the  coast  of 
North  America,  of  any  given  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition. 

The  Prince  Bonaparte,  in  Conspectus  Avium,  II,  p.  166,  adopts  for 
this  species  the  name  Sula  cymiopa,  Sundevall,  in  preference  of  Sula 
peraonata,  Gould,  intimating  the  priority  of  the  former,  but  citing  no 
description.  We  have  not  succeeded  in  finding  any  name  for  this  bird 
previous  to  that  proposed  by  Mr.  Gould,  as  given  at  the  head  of  the 
present  article. 


4.  Qenvs  CARBO,  Lacepede. 

1.  Carbo  magellanicus  {Gmelin). — The  Cape  Horn  Cormorant. 

Pelecanut  magellanicm,  Om.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  576  (1788). 
Phalacrocorax  erj/thropi,  KlNG,  Proo.  Zool.  Soo.  Loudon,  1831,  p.  30. 
*'  Phalacrocorax  leucotu,  CuviER,"  Bonap.  Gonsp.  Av.  II,  p.  177. 

In  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  several  specimens,  which  ap- 
pear to  be  clearly  this  species,  though  presenting  some  striking  varia- 
tions in  plumage.  This  is  the  case,  however,  with  so  many  species  of 
Cormorants  with  which  we  are  acquainted,  that  we  regard  the  conclu- 
sion as  inevitable,  that  changes  in  tic  plumage  of  different  ages  of  the 
same  species,  and  sexual  and  seasonal  changes  also,  take  place  to  an 
unusual  exten ;  in  this  group.  In  the  present  bird,  we  can  readily 
distinguish  three  'vell-marked  stages  of  plumage: 

First.  Throat,  with  a  white  longitudinal  band  ;  spot  on  the  ears 
white.  Head,  neck,  entire  upper  parts,  sides  (under  the  wings),  large 
spot  on  the  flanks,  and  tibiae,  black,  with  a  greenish  and  purple  gloss, 
most  observable  on  the  head  and  back ;  sides  and  flanks  with  white 
lines.  Under  parts  from  the  neck  white ;  under  tail-coverts  black. 
Lores,  space  around  the  eyes,  and  at  the  base  of  the  under  mandible, 
naked.  Total  length  of  prepared  specimen,  about  twenty-eight  inches; 
wing,  ten  and  a  half  inches  ;  tail,  six  inches. 


NATATORBS. 


871 


Thia  appears  to  be  the  most  mature  plumage,  and  is  that  described 
by  Gmelin  and  Latham  (Gen.  Synopsis,  III,  p.  604),  King,  as  above, 
and  Forster  (Desc.  An.  p.  356). 

Second.  Like  the  preceding  in  all  respects,  but  without  the  white 
spots  on  the  ears.  Plumage  not  so  glossy  and  tinged  with  brownish 
on  the  upper  parts.  Longitudinal  band  on  the  throat  more  restricted 
but  well  defined. 

Third.  Entirely  black ;  abdomen  with  a  few  white  feathers ;  lon- 
gitudinal band  of  white  on  the  throat  well  defined ;  no  white  spots  on 
the  ears.  Plumage  glossy,  as  described  above.  Bare  space  at  the  base 
of  the  mandibles  more  limited. 

The  last  appears  to  be  precisely  identical  specifically  with  both  of 
the  preceding,  showing  no  other  different  character  than  that  the 
under  parts  are  black  instead  of  white.  In  size  and  measurements  of 
all  the  parts,  these  specimens  correspond  with  each  other.  The  black 
pluma3e  of  the  under  parts  here  alluded  to,  we  have  not  seen  pre- 
viously described  as  applicable  to  this  species,  Phalacrocorax  niger, 
King,  Zool.  Jour.  IV,  p.  101,  being  clearly  not  this  bird,  but  a  much 
larger  species.  The  present  species  inhabits  the  shores  of  Western 
and  Southern  South  America,  and,  according  to  Dr.  Pickering,  was 
abundant  at  Orange  Harbor,  Tierra  del  Fuego. 

Perhaps  no  birds  of  the  group  of  swimming  birds,  have  been  assigned 
to  a  greater  number  of  genera,  nor  more  variously  and  promiscuously 
named  than  the  Cormorants.  The  present  species  has  been  regarded 
as  belonging  to  the  genera  Pde-canvs,  Pivalacrocorax,  Hypoleucua,  Carlo, 
and  Oraculus,  of  authors,  and  ultimately  is  rated,  by  the  Prince  Bona- 
parte, as  a  recruit  in  his  new  genus  Urile,  Conspectus  Avium,  II,  p. 
175  (1855).     This  is  the  tenor  of  the  latest  advices  on  the  subject. 


n 


2.  Cabbo  atbiceps  (King). 


Phitlacrocorax  alriceps,  King,  Zool.  Jour.  IV,  p.  102  (1828). 

Carbo  Bowjainvillii,  Lesson,  Voy.  Thetis  and  I'Esperance,  II,  p.  331  (1837)  ? 

Reich.  VoUst.  Naturg.  Birds,  pi.  LX,  figs.  2309,  2310? 


Several  specimens  from  Tierra  del  Fuego,  in  the  collection,  are  of 
the  species  described  by  the  authors  whom  we  have  cited.    We  can- 


372 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


not  determine,  however,  that  this  species  is  identical  with  G.  carun- 
culaluB  (Gmelin),  though  such  a  conclusion  has  been  adopted  to  some 
extent  by  ornithologists. 

This  species  is  larger  than  the  preceding,  with  a  similar  longitudi- 
nal stripe  on  the  throat,  but  of  greater  extent.  Under  parts  white, 
which  color  extends  upwards  on  the  neck,  leaving  between  its  termi- 
nation and  that  of  the  white  stripe  on  the  throat,  a  narrow,  transverse 
band  of  glossy  black,  with  a  blue  lustre,  which  is  the  color  of  the 
head  and  neck  behind.  Back,  wing-coverts,  and  shorter  quills  brown, 
with  a  greenish  and  bronzed  lustre ;  middle  of  the  back  and  rump, 
greenish-blue.  Sides  (under  the  wings),  and  large  space  on  the  flanks 
and  tibiae,  deep  black,  with  a  bluish  lustre ;  under  tail-coverts  black. 
Feet  light  colored.  Total  length  of  prepared  specimen,  about  thirty- 
one  inches;  wing,  eleven  and  a  half  inches;  tail,  four  and  a  half 
inches.  This  is  apparently  a  more  mature  plumage  than  the  succeed- 
ing. 

Younger  ?  Under  parts  from  the  base  of  the  lower  mandible  white. 
Upper  parts  like  the  preceding,  but  tinged  with  brown  on  the  head 
and  neck,  and  much  less  glossy. 

We  find  no  notes,  relating  to  either  this  bird  or  the  preceding,  placed 
on  record  by  either  of  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition,  and  like  the 
preceding  species,  the  present  has  not  been  figured  in  the  plumages 
which  we  regard  as  most  mature,  and  we  have  doubts  whether  the 
figures  of  Reichenbach,  cited  above,  are  really  of  this  species.  The 
description,  however,  of  Garho  Bougainvillii,  as  above,  seems  to  be  ap- 
plicable to  our  present  bird,  and  the  name  synonymous  with  Phdla' 
crocorax  atrkepe,  as  given  at  the  head  of  this  article. 

This  species  is  arranged  by  the  Prince  Bonaparte,  as  belonging  to 
his  Genus  Urile,  in  his  Monograph  of  the  Phalacrocoracidae,  in  Con- 
spectus Avium,  II,  p.  176.  Specimens  in  good  preservation  are  in  the 
collection  of  the  Expedition. 

3.  Carbo  hypoleucus,  5m/jaf<. 


Carlo  hypohucut,  Brandt,  Bull.  Acad.  St.  Petersburg,  I,  p.  55  (1837). 

P«/ecanu«  j)ic-a,  FoR8T£R,  De8c.  An.  p.  105  (1844). 

Carbo /ucoBtu,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Esp.  Birds,  p.  268  (first  edition,  1848).'" 

*«Head,  back  of  neck,  and  thighs,  dark  olive-green;  cheeks,  throat,  and  ail  the 
under  parts  of  the  neck  and  body,  white ;  wings  and  scapulars  gray,  each  feather  edged 


NATATORBS. 

Gould,  B.  of  AuBt.  VII,  Plate  LXVIII. 


373 


Several  specimens  of  this  handsome  species,  from  the  Bay  of  Islands, 
New  Zealand,  are  in  the  collection.  They  are  precisely  as  described 
by  Mr.  Gould,  as  above,  and  figured  in  his  magnificent  work  on  the 
Birds  of  Australia. 

We  cannot  coincide  in  the  reference  of  this  bird  to  Bilecanua  varitta, 
Gmelin,  which  has  been  done  by  excellent  authorities  in  Ornithology ; 
but  to  us,  Gmelin  and  Latham's  descriptions  seem  applicable,  with  a 
greater  degree  of  propriety',  to  the  succeeding.  It  is,  however,  referred 
to  that  species  by  both  Bonaparte,  in  Conspectus  Avium,  and  Beichen- 
bach,  in  Vollst.  Naturg.,  and  by  other  authors.  It  appears  to  be  a 
common  bird  of  the  coasts  of  New  Zealand  and  Australia. 

This  bird  is  the  type  of  the  Genus  Hypdeucw,  Beichenbach,  adopted 
by  the  Prince  Bonaparte,  in  Conspectus  Avium,  II,  p.  173.  It  is  pos- 
sible  that  it  is  not  specifically  difierent  from  that  immediately  suc- 
ceeding, in  which  case,  Gmelin's  name  is  probably  to  be  adopted. 


4.  Cabbo  leucogasteb  {Qould). 


Phalacrocorax  kucogatter,  GoULD,  Proc.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1837,  p.  15G. 
Pehcanui  varius,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  676  (1788)  ? 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VII,  Plate  LXIX. 

Very  considerably  resembling  the  preceding,  but  larger.  The  spe- 
cimen in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  as  well  as  those  in  Mr. 
Gould's  collection,  now  in  the  Museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy, 
have  the  appearance  to  us  of  being  in  immature  plumage,  from  which 
fact  we  do  not  feel  assured  in  attempting  to  point  out  distinguishing 

with  dark  olive-green ;  tail  dark  gray,  nearly  black ;  shafts  black ;  bill  black,  with  a 
brown  tip ;  feet  black ;  irides  green ;  lores  blue,  with  a  yellow  spot  at  the  base  of  the 
bill ;  corners  of  the  mouth,  base  of  the  lower  mandible,  and  pouch,  red. 

"  Total  length,  two  feet  five  and  a  half  inches ;  extent  of  wings,  three  feet  seven  and 
one-fourth  inches;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  ten  and  eight-tenths  inches ;  tail,  five 
and  four-tenths  inches ;  tarsus,  one  and  nine-tenths  inches ;  outer  toe,  three  and  a  half 
inches;  bill,  two  and  four-tenths  inches;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  three  and  six-tenths 
inches."    Peale,  as  above.  ^ 

94 


'1*  ' 


874 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


charactera,  or  even  in  concluding  that  this  bird  is  certainly  different 
from  the  last.  The  specimens  are,  however,  apparently  constantly 
larger. 

To  this  bird,  in  immature  plumage,  Gmelin's  name,  cited  above,  ap- 
pears to  be  applicable.   The  present  specimens  are  from  New  Zealand. 

Like  the  preceding,  the  present  bird  is  included  by  the  Prince  Bona- 
parte in  his  recent  Monograph,  in  the  Genus  Hf/pokuciu,  Reichenbach. 
He  regards  this  species,  and  not  the  preceding,  as  Carlo  hypoleucua, 
Brandt.  We  have  the  misfortune  of  not  coinciding  in  manner  and 
form  as  the  case  stands,  but  we  are  not  without  a  suspicion  that  both 
are  correct,  the  difference  being  in  names,  or  perhaps  nominal  species 
only. 


I 


5.  Carbo  sulcirgstris,  Brandt. 

Carlo  lulcirontrit,  Brandt,  Bull.  Acad.  St.  Petersburg,  I,  p.  66  (18S7). 

Varbo purpuraijula,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  2G9  (first  edition,  1848).* 

Microcarbo  ttictocephalus,  BoNAP.  Consp.  At.  II,  p.  178  (1855). 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VII,  Plate  LXVII. 

Spec  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  stated  to  have 

been  kili^.  ''at  Manua  Bay,  New  Zealand,  in  the  month  of  March, 
where  they  frequent  the  fresh-water  or  brackish  creeks."  This  note, 
by  Mr.  Peale,  is  the  only  reference  to  this  interesting  little  species, 
that  we  find  in  the  journals  of  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition. 

This  bird  is  regarded  by  the  Prince  Bonaparte,  in  his  recent  Mono- 
graph (Consp.  Av.  II,  p.  178),  as  not  the  true  Garbo  eulciroatria, 
Brandt,  and  he  accordingly  proposes  a  new  name  for  it,  as  above.  We 
continue  it,  however,  as  given  by  Mr.  Gould,  in  Birds  of  Australia, 

*  "  Head,  nock,  and  body,  black,  with  an  olive-green  metallio  gloss;  wings  and  tail 
black ;  shafts  black ;  scapulars  and  wing-coverts  purplish- gray,  each  feather  edged  with 
black ;  secondaries  having  their  webs  waved,  somewhat  like  the  Darters  (Plotua) ;  bill 
bluish  horn-color ;  the  upper  mandible  brownish ;  eyelids  and  gular  pouch  purple ;  irides 
green. 

"  Total  length,  twenty-four  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  ten  and  three-tenths 
inches ;  tail,  five  and  three-tenths  inches ;  the  outer  feathers,  three  and  eight-tenths 
inches ;  bill,  one  and  eight-tenths  inches ;  to  the  comers  of  the  mouth,  two  and  siz- 
tenths  inches;  tarsi,  one  and  seven-tenths  inches;  outer  toe,  three  inches;  nail,  three- 
tenths  of  an  inch;  hind  toe,  one  and  two-tenths  inches ;  nail,  three-tenths  of  an  inch." 


NATAT0RE8. 


876 


above  referred  to,  but  if  this  bird  is  erroneously  designated  aukiroatrU, 
the  name  having  priority  is  that  of  Mr.  Peale,  above  given. 

This  species  belongs  to  the  group,  probably  subgeneric  in  value  only, 
denominated  Haliaeua  or  Microcarbo,  by  Bonaparte  ("  Haliaeus,  Bp.  ex 
111.  Microcarbo  si  videbitur"),  Conspectus  Avium,  II,  p.  177.  It  is 
one  of  the  smallest  species  of  the  Cormorants. 


6.  Cabbo  brevirostris  {Qould), 

Phalaerocorax  hrevirottrit,  QouLD,  Proc.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1887,  p.  26. 
Carlo  ftavagula,  Feale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  270  (first  ed.  1848).* 

Reich.  VoUst.  Naturg.  Birds,  Plate  LX,  fig.  2308. 

A  very  handsome  small  species,  much  resembling  that  immediately 
preceding,  and  from  which  we  do  not  feel  fully  assured  that  it  is  dis- 
tinct. The  present  specimen  is,  however,  clearly  the  species  described 
by  Mr.  Gould,  as  above. 

According  to  Mr.  Peale : 

"  The  specimens  were  procured  at  the  Bay  of  Islands,  New  Zealand, 
where  we  found  them  more  common  than  the  Purple-throated  Cormo- 
rant, which  was  also  observed  there." 

This  bird  differs  from  the  last  mainly  in  the  rather  shorter  bill,  and 
the  lighter  colors  of  its  plumage,  but  in  size  and  other  characters,  it 
is  quite  similar.  Specimens  in  the  present  collection,  and  in  the  Mu- 
seum of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  have  not,  to  us,  tlie  appearance 
of  mature  birds.  Both  this  and  the  preceding  species  are  mentioned 
by  Dr.  Pickering  as  having  been  observed  at  the  Bay  of  Islands,  and 
as  frequenting  the  same  description  of  locality,  if  not  associating 
together. 

*  "  Head,  neck,  and  body,  dark  sepia-brown ;  wings  dark  gray,  the  primaries  very 
much  curved  inwards,  black,  with  a  greenish  gloss ;  secondaries  and  coverts  with  the 
usual  dark  edges ;  tail  long,  slender,  rounded,  the  feathers  attenuated  at  the  tip,  and 
pointed,  black ;  shafts  black ;  bill  horn-color ;  lores  and  pouch  bright  yellow ;  irides 
brown ;  feet  black. 

"  Total  length,  twenty-two  and  six-tenths  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  nine 
and  four-tenths  inches ;  tail,  six  and  four-tenths  inches ;  outer  feathers,  four  and  two- 
tenths  inches ;  bill,  one  and  two-tenths  inches ;  to  the  corners  of  the  mouth,  three  and 
three-tenths  inches ;  tarsi,  one  and  three-tenths  inches  ;  outer  toe,  including  the  nail, 
two  and  seven-tenths  inches ;  nail,  three-tenths  of  an  inch ;  inner  toe,  including  the  nail, 
one  and  three-tenths  inches ;  nail,  four-tenths  of  an  inch." 


87S 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


7.  Carbo' Oaimardii  (69bmo<). 

i%fceaniij  Oaimardii,  Oarnot,  Voy.  Goquille,  Zool.  I,  p.  601  (1826). 
Pkalaerocorax  cirriger,  KiMO,  Zool..  Jour.  IV,  p.  108  (1828). 

Voy.  Coquille,  Birds,  Plate  XL VIII ;  Reich.  Vollst.  Naturg.  Birds, 
Plate  LXI,  fig.  370. 

Excellent  specimens  of  this  bird  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expe- 
dition. It  is  remarkable  for  the  light  and  delicate  ash-color  of  its 
plumage,  and  is  now  well  known  as  a  common  species  of  Western 
South  America,  though  it  appears  to  have  escaped  the  attention  of  the 
earlier  naturalists. 

According  to  Dr.  Pickering,  this  handsome  Cormorant  is  of  quite 
frequent  occurrence  on  the  coast  of  Chili  and  Peru,  and  breeds  on  the 
Island  of  San  Lorenzo.  With  reference  to  the  latter  fact,  we  make 
the  following  extract  from  his  journal : 

"  We  were  surprised  at  the  variety  and  great  numbers  of  the  sea- 
birds  constantly  to  be  seen  in  the  harbor  of  Callao,  attracted  appa- 
rently by  the  abundance  of  fishes.  On  the  south  side  of  the  Island  of 
San  Lorenzo,  we  found  iV  '  breeding-places  of  several  of  these  birds, 
on  clifis  almost  inaccessible.  Each  species  seemed  to  have  a  village 
or  district  appropriated  for  itself.  That  of  the  iSkema  inca  was  the 
most  extensive,  and  it  was  most  numerous.  Next  came  the  White- 
headed  Booby,  and  further  on  to  the  westward,  was  the  district  of  the 
Oarbo  Oaimardii.  Of  this  bird,  some  of  the  nests  contained  eggs, 
while  in  others  were  to  be  seen  young  birds  in  various  stages,  some 
half  grown,  and  others  just  ready  to  fly ;  always  in  pairs,  so  far  as 
came  under  our  observation." 

This  is  another  of  the  species  of  Cormorants  which  have  troubled 
orniihologists  to  provide  for  in  generic  arrangement.  It  has  been 
yarioiisly  assigned  to  the  genera  Bilecanus,  Phalacrocorax,  Oarbo,  Qror^ 
culuB,  and  Hypoleucus,  and  is  the  type  of  the  new  Genus  Slicticarbo, 
Bonaparte,  Conspectus  Avium,  II,  p.  174.  In  form  and  other  general 
characters,  it  is  very  similar  to  several  other  and  dark-colored  species, 
and  is  probably  only  entitled  to  a  subgeneric  distinction.  It  is  one  of 
the  most  handsome  birds  of  this  family,  and  is  accurately  represented 
in  the  plate  of  the  Zoology  of  the  Voyage  of  the  Coquille,  above  men- 
tioned. 


NATATaRES. 


377 


5.  Fauilt  LARID^.— The  Qulls,  Terns,  Albatrosses,  &o. 
1.  Genus  LARUS,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  224  (1766). 

1.  Larus  dominioanus,  Lichtenetein, 

Larui  domtntcanu$,  LlOHT.  Yen.  p.  82  (1828). 

"  Dominicattut  Azarae,  Less."  Bonap.  Consp.  At.  II,  p.  214  (1856). 

Gray,  Gen.  Ill,  Plate  CLXXX. 

A  large  species,  nearly  related  to  Larus  fuscm,  but  constantly  pre- 
senting distinct  characters.  It  is,  apparently,  peculiar  to  the  coasts 
of  South  America,  especially  on  the  Pacific  Ocean,  but  probably  in- 
Iinbiting  a  more  northern  latitude  than  has  yet  been  attributed  as  its 
locality,  on  which  account  it  is  of  especial  interest  to  the  ornitholo- 
gists of  the  United  States.  It  appears  to  be  a  common  bird  of  the 
coast  of  Western  South  America. 

Several  specimens  of  this  bird  are  in  the  collection.  It  is  stated,  by 
Mr.  Peale,  to  have  been  numerous  on  the  coast  of  Chili,  particularly 
about  the  Bay  of  Valparaiso,  in  the  month  of  May,  and  is  also  men- 
tioned by  Dr.  Pickering,  at  Tierra  del  Fuego,  and  at  Callao. 

We  regard  this  bird  as  the  true  Larus  dominicanus,  of  Lichtenstein, 
and  that  figured  in  Mr.  Gray's  valuable  work,  above  cited.  This  name 
is,  however,  assigned  to  an  African  species  by  Bonaparte,  in  Conspec- 
tus Avium,  II,  p.  214,  and  the  present  species  is  named  as  above.  It 
is  arranged  by  him  in  the  genus  Dominlcanxis,  Bruch. 


2.  Larus  occidentalis,  Audubon. 


Larui  occidentalU,  Add.  Orn.  Biog.  V,  p.  320  (1839). 
Larut  niveui,  Pallas,- Zoog.  Rosa.  As.  II,  p.  320  (1811)7 

Pallas,  Zoog.  Ross.  As.  Plate  LXXXVI? 

95 


878 


ORNITHOLOGY, 


Specimens,  from  the  coast  of  Oregon,  are  in  the  collection,  but  we 
have,  unfortunately,  no  memoranda  nor  notes  relating  to  it.  Very 
fine  specimens  have  been  brought  home  in  the  collections  of  natu- 
ralists who  have  visited  California,  especially  in  those  made  by  Mr. 
J.  G.  Bell,  of  New  York,  and  by  Dr.  Heermann,  of  Philadelphia,  and 
it  appears  to  be  a  common  bird  of  the  western  coast  of  North 
America. 

Though  much  resembling  Larua  argentatm,  this  species  constantly 
differs,  sufficiently  to  be  entitled  to  a  separate  designation.  It  is  not 
impossible,  however,  that  this  bird  is  the  Lanis  nivetts,  Pallas,  as  above 
cited,  and,  in  fact,  the  description  of  the  latter  applies  very  nearly  in 
all  respects,  except  the  color  of  the  bill  and  of  the  feet,  both  of  which 
are  liable  to  variation,  especitilly  in  preserved  specimens.  This  fine 
species  is  not  given  in  Audubon's  Plates,  nor  are  we  acquainted  with 
any  figure  of  it,  unless  it  is  that  of  Pallas,  above  mentioned.  It  is 
regarded  by  late  ornithologists  as  belonging  to  the  genus  Laroides, 
Brehm. 


8.  Larus  fuliginosus,  Gould. 


Larus  /uliginotut,  Gould,  Voy.  Beagle,  Birds,  p.  141  (1841). 
AJelarut  Neptunut,  BoNAP.  Consp.  Av.  II,  p.  282  (1856). 


Several  specimens  of  this  species,  from  the  coast  of  Peru,  vary  con- 
siderably in  the  colors  of  their  plumage,  and  are  apparently  immature. 
They  are,  however,  all  characterized  by  the  fuliginous  color  of  their 
plumage,  which  appears  to  be  that  of  the  young  bird. 

Mr.  Peale  notices  this  bird  as  follows  : 

"  Was  seen  occasionally  from  Cape  Horn  to  Callao,  on  the  coast  of 
Peru.  Many  specimens  wore  obtained,  which  vary  much  in  plu- 
mage. The  males  are  about  one-fourth  larger  than  the  females,  and 
sometimes  hav  the  abdomen  entirely  white.  The  young  birds  are 
wholly  fuliginous-brown,  with  yellowish  edges  to  the  dorsal  feathers, 
wing-coverts,  &c.  Tail,  in  all  stages  of  plumage,  margined  with  white, 
which  forms  a  conspicuous  character." 

This  Gull  appears  to  be  another  of  the  common  birds  of  this  family, 
inhabiting  the  coasts  of  Western  South  America.  It  is  found  from 
Chili  to  Cape  Horn,  and  probably  extends  its  range  more  northwardly 


NATAT0RE8. 


379 


than  has  yet  been  determined.    It  is  arranged  by  the  Prince  Bona* 
parte,  in  hie  genus  Leucophaem,  Conspectus  Avium,  II,  p.  231. 


4.  Larus  albipennis,  Bsale, 

Larus  albipeiinis,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  288  (1848). 

"  Laru$  albipennis,  LiCHT."  Gray,  Gen.  Ill,  p.  654  ? 

Larui  cirrocephalui,  ViEitL.  Nouv.  Diet.  XXI,  p.  502  (1818)  ? 

Gapite,  collo  et  corpore  suhtus  albia,  corpore  supra  cinereo,  pennis  prU 
mania  quinqtte  prioribtts  alhis,  intvs  nigro  marginaiis,  cauda  alba. 
Long.  tot.  li  pollicea. 

Form. — Rather  slender  and  graceful.  Bill  moderate  or  rather  long ; 
wing  long,  extending,  when  closed,  beyond  the  end  of  the  tail, 
which  is  rather  shorl^    Tarsi  moderate,  rather  slender. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  fourteen  inches ;  wing,  eleven 
inches ;  tail,  four  and  three-fourths  inches. 

Colors. — Head,  neck,  and  entire  under  parts,  white.  Back,  wing- 
coverts,  tertiaries,  secondaries,  and  shorter  primaries,  light  cinereous. 
First  five  primaries  white,  bordered  with  black  ou  their  inner  edges, 
nearly  throughout  their  length  ;  first  primary  edged  with  black  at  its 
base,  on  its  outer  web.  Tail  white.  "  Bill  and  feet  scarlet ;  irides 
brown." 

Hab. — Coast  of  Chili.    Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 


This  is  apparently  the  young  bird  of  a  species  distinct  from  any 
other  known  to  us,  though  probably  the  same  as  referred  to  by  Lich- 
tenstein,  under  the  same  name,  as  above  given.  We  have,  however, 
not  succeeded  in  finding  a  description  under  this  name  in  any  of  the 
works  of  Lichtenstein  to  which  we  have  access.  It  is  cited  as  "  X. 
albipennis,  Licht.  MSS.,"  by  Mr.  Gray,  in  "  List  of  the  Specimens  of 
Birds  in  the  Collection  of  the  British  Museum,"  Part  III  (London, 
1844).  and  is  not  to  be  found  at  all  in  Prof.  Lichtenstein's  "  Nomen- 


380 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


clator  Avium  Musei  Zoologici  Berolinensis"  (Berlin,  1854),  circum-' 
stances  which  induce  us  to  suspect  that  there  is  no  description  extant. 

Having  only  young  birds  of  the  species  now  before  us,  we  much 
regret  our  inability  to  determine  its  relationship  to  Larus  cirrocepho' 
bts,  Vieill.,  of  which  there  are  adult  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the 
Philadelphia  Academy,  but  our  opinion  is,  at  present,  that  it  is  not 
identical.  The  description,  by  Vieillot,  and  the  specimens,  in  the 
Academy's  collection,  above  alluded  to,  are,  however,  those  of  a  bird 
nearly  related  to  the  present,  and  more  like  it  than  the  species  imme- 
diately succeeding. 

Two  specimens  of  this  bird  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 
They  are  very  nearly  similar  in  colors  and  other  characters,  but  are 
considerably  smaller  in  dimensions  than  as  stated  by  Mr.  Peale. 
We  therefore  give  his  measurements,  with  his  observations  on  this 
species : 

"  The  specimens  were  obtained  in  the  month  of  May,  on  the  coast 
of  Chili,  at  which  season  the  heads  of  all  were  white,  slightly  clouded, 
in  some,  with  pale  lead  color,  which  leads  to  the  inference,  that,  at 
other  seasons,  their  heads  would  be  black  or  dark  lead  color.  Great 
numbers  were  around  the  shipping,  in  the  harbor  of  Valparaiso,  and 
were  very  tame. 

"  This  species  is  closely  allied  to  Xema  cirrocephalum,  but  is  rather 
less  in  size,  and  may  at  once  be  distinguished  by  the  first  four  quills, 
which  are  white.  In  X.  cirrocephalum,  they  are  black,  with  white 
tips. 

"  Total  length  sixteen  and  one-eighth  inches ;  wing,  from  the 
carpal  joint,  fourteen  and  one-tenth  inches ;  tail  four  and  eight-tenths 
inches ;  bill  one  and  four-tenths  inches ;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth 
two  and  three-tenths  inches;  tarsi  one  and  seventeen-twentieths 
inches;  naked  part  of  the  leg,  above  the  heel,  one  and  one-tenth 
inches ;  middle  toe  one  and  eight-tenths  inches ;  nail  seven-twen- 
tieths of  an  inch.     Male." 

These  measurements  agree  with  the  specimens  labelled  by  Mr. 
Peale,  and  now  before  us,  in  all  points,  except  total  length  of  the  bird 
and  the  length  of  the  wing,  which  arc  as  we  have  given  above.  The 
species  alluded  to  by  him  as  Xema  cirrocephalum,  is  that  now  succeed- 
ing. 


NATATORY  S. 


381 


6.  Larus  olaucotes,  Meyen. 

Larui  glaueotes,  Meten,  Nov.  Aot.  1834,  p.  116.. 
Xaruf  maculipennis,  LiOHT.  Verjs.  p.  83  (1823)  ? 

«'  Zema  cirrocephalutn,  G.  R.  Gbat,"  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  289 
(1848). 

Nov.  Act.  Acad.  Caes.  Leop.  1844,  Plate  XXIV. 

Very  probably  Lichtenstein  s  species,  as  above  cited,  and  a  common 
bird  in  collections  from  the  coast  of  Chili.  Our  specimens  measure,  in 
total  length,  about  eighteen  inches,  being  unifoimly  larger  than  those 
of  the  preceding  species.  This  species  is  stated  by  Mr.  Peale  to  have 
been  obtained  on  the  west  coast  of  South  America,  as  far  north  as 
Peru. 


2.  Genus  STERNA,  Xtnn.  SjBt.  Nat.  1,  p.  227  (1766). 
1.  Sterna  frontalis,  O.  R.  Qray. 

Sterna  frontalis,  Gkat,  Zool.  Voy.  Erebus  and  Terror,  Birds,  p.  19  (1845). 
•     Sterna  albi/rons,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  279  (1st  edition,  1848).* 
Sterna  striata,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  609  (1788)  ? 

Lath.  Gen.  Syn.  Ill,  Plate  XCVIII?  Zool.  Voy.  Erebus  and 
Terror,  Birds,  Plate  XX. 

This  species,  so  far  as  we  can  gather  from  the  notes  of  the  natu* 
ralists  of  the  Expedition,  was  observed  only  at  New  Zealand.  In  the 
collection,  we  find  adult  specimens,  presenting  no  peculiarities  or 
characters  not  mentioned  in  the  description  first  above  cited. 

*  "  Back  and  wings  pearl-gray ;  front,  throat,  neck,  all  the  body,  and  tail,  white  ; 
crown  and  occiput  black ;  bill  black ;  legs  red ;  claws  black ;  wings  and  tail  equal ; 
first  primary  longest,  its  outer  web  black ;  tail  forked ;  all,  excepting  the  two  centre 
feathers,  pointed ;  shafts  white ;  irides  brown. 

"  Total  length  fourteen  and  one-half  inches ;  wings,  from  the  carpal  joint,  eleven 
inches ;  tail  six  inches ;  centre  feathers  two  and  six-touths  inches ;  bill  one  and  nine- 
twantieths  inches;  to  the. angle  of  the  mouth  two  and  one-tenth  inches;  tarsi  thirteen- 
twentieths  of  an  inch ;  middle  toe,  including  the  nail,  one  inch ;  nail  three-tenths  of  an 
inch." 

96  > 


Mi 


^^f«^« 


^41 1 

ml 


S82 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Mr.  Peale  thus  alludes  to  the  present  bird  : 

"  Our  specimen  was  killed  at  the  Bay  of  Islands,  New  Zealand,  in 
the  month  of  March.  The  species  was  then  congregated  in  large 
flocks,  and,  on  one  occasion,  six  specimens  were  killed  at  one  dis- 
charge of  a  fowling-piece. 

"  Total  length  fourteen  and  a  half  inches ;  wing,  from  carpal  joint, 
eleven  inches ;  tail  six  inches ;  centre  feathers  (of  the  tail),  two  and 
six-tenths  of  an  inch." 

This  handsome  species  is  very  accurately  figured  in  the  Zoology  of 
the  Voyage  of  the  Erebus  and  Terror,  above  cited.  Specimens  in  the 
collection  of  the  Expedition  are  in  good  plumage  and  preservation. 
This,  and  other  species  of  Sterna,  are  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as 
of  common  occ^urrence  at  the  locality  above  given. 

Latham's  plate,  above  cited,  evidently  represents  a  young  bird;  and, 
as  the  locality  in  the  description  accompanying  it  (Gen.  Syn.  Ill,  p. 
358),  is  given  as  New  Zealand,  and  as  both,  moreover,  might  readily 
apply  to  the  young  of  the  present  species,  it  is  not  improbal/le  that 
Gmelin's  name  should  be  adopted.  We  leave  it,  however,  as  a  pro- 
blem to  be  solved  by  the  examination  of  the  young  bird,  and  com- 
parison with  the  figure  and  description  to  which  we  allude.  Gmelin 
named  this  species  on  the  faith  of  Latham's  description,  very  probably 
never  having  seen  a  specimen. 

Mr.  Peale's  measurements,  above  given,  appear  to  have  been  made 
from  the  recently  killed  bird.  The  preserved  skin  measures,  in  total 
length,  about  thirteen  inches. 


2.  Sterna  lunata,  Biale. 

Sterna  lunata,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  277  (1848). 

S.  panayam  refert  sed  major  et  pallidior.  Corpore  supra  pallide  cinereo, 
8uhtu8  albo,  fronte  albo,  capiie  supra  et  linea  ante  oculoa  nigra.  Long, 
tot.  \b poUicea.  ,- 


i:   11: 

a  ■■:ii 


If 


Form. — General  form  of,  but  rather  larger  than.  Sterna  panaya,  Gm. 
(Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VII,  PI.  XXXIII).  Bill  straight,  rather  wide  at 
base,  and  thick  ;  wings  long,  first  quill  longest ;  tail  deeply  forked, 
with  the  feathers  pointed;  outer  feathers  about  two  inches  longest; 


NATAT0RE8. 


383 


feet  and  legs  slender ;  webs  of  the  toes  deeply  incised  in  front ;  claws 
rather  strong. 

Dimensions. — Male.     Total  length  (of  skin),  fifteen  inches;  wing, 
eleven  inches;  tail,  eight  and  a  half  inches. 

Colors. — Generally  resembling  those  of  Sterna  panaya,  Gm.,  but 
much  lighter.  Front  white,  which  color  extends  over  the  eyes ;  head 
above,  neck  behind,  and  stripe  before  the  eye,  black.  Entire  upper 
parts  light  cinereous ;  darker  on  the  coverts  of  the  wings.  Quills 
cinereous,  with  a  frosted  or  hoary  aspect ;  and  ca  their  inner  webs, 
with  a  wide  longitudinal  stripe  of  white.  Outer  web  of  first  primary, 
black.  Tail  light  cinereous ;  outer  feathers  white,  tinged  with  cinere- 
ous on  their  inner  webs.  Under  wing-coverts,  and  entire  other  under 
parts,  white.    Bill  and  feet,  black. 

Hab. — Vincennes  Island,  Paumotu  Group.    Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus. 
Washington. 

We  had  hoped  that  the  necessity  of  describing  forms  as  new,  though 
intimately  allied  to  long-known  and  well-established  species,  was  at  • 
an  end,  but  iu  the  case  of  the  bird  now  before  us,  after  careful  compa- 
rison, we  give  it  the  benefit  of  the  doubt,  and  accordingly  let  it  stand 
as  described. 

The  only  difference  to  be  regarded  as  important,  between  the  bird 
now  before  us  and  Sterna  panaya,  is  the  lighter  color  of  the  former ;  in 
addition  to  which,  the  longitudinal  band  or  stripe  on  the  itnier  webs 
of  the  quills  is  more  distinctly  defined,  and  there  are  some  other  minor 
characters,  which  appear  to  be  constant.  It  is,  however,  very  similar 
to  the  well-known  species  just  mentioned. 

There  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  two  specimens  of  this 
bird,  both  of  which  are  from  the  Paumotu  Islands,  and  are  very  simi' 
lar  in  plumage.  In  the  Museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  amongst 
numerous  specimens  of  Sterna  panaya,  from  various  localities,  includ- 
ing Mr.  Gould's  from  Australia,  we  find  one  specimen  only  of  this 
species,  which  is  labelled  "  des  Mers  de  I'Oceanie,"  and  was  purchased 
in  Paris.  Although  at  present  disposed  to  regard  it  as  a  distinct  spe- 
cies, perhaps  more  local  in  its  habitat  than  its  near  relative  to  which 
we  have  alluded,  we  shall  not  be  surprised,  if  the  present  bird  is  de- 


384 


ORNITHOLOOT. 


monstrated,  by  future  explorera,  to  be  the  same  in  a  seasonal  plumage 
not  heretofore  determined. 

Mr.  Feale  remarks  of  this  species  : 

"  Our  specimens  were  obtained,  on  the  2d  September,  at  Vincennes 
Island,  one  of  the  Paumotu  Group.  In  flight  and  general  appearance 
this  species  much  resembles  the  Sooty  Tern  {Sterna /uUginoaa),  but 
besides  the  difference  of  color,  is  less  in  size  and  has  a  proportionately 
longer  tail." 

We  find  this  bird  also  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering,  as  seen  in  large 
numbers  at  the  locality  just  given.  Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition  are  apparently  in  fully  mature  plumage,  and  are  in  good 
preservation. 


3.  Sterna  poliocerca,  Gould. 

Sterna  poltocerea,  GouLD,  Proo.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1837,  p.  26. 

Sterna  rectirostris,  PcALE,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  281  (1848).* 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VII,  PI.  24. 


vl? 


1?  ■'^l 

I  *i 

i     Hi 

1  € 

■\  '1 

i>  '.| 

11 

This  species,  of  which  the  young  bird  is  described  by  Mr.  Peale  as 
above,  was  observed  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition,  at  the  Feejee 
Islands,  especially  at  Sandalwood  Bay,  in  large  numbers. 

We  find  a  single  specimen  only,  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition, 
which  is  in  quite  immature  plumage,  but  is  apparently  Mr.  Gould's 
species  as  above  given,  and  is  quite  identical  with  his  specimens  now 

*  "  Neck,  breast,  and  belly,  white ;  orown,  occiput,  and  back,  mottled  with  brown ; 
wings  and  tail,  rery  dark  browniah-gray ;  bill  and  legs,  obscure  bluish-green ;  ^e  latter 
being  mottled  with  brown;  wings  white ;  beneath,  shafts  white ;  inner  webs  of  the  pri- 
maries black  next  the  shafts,  the  rest  white;  outer  webs  dark  gray;  secondaries  black, 
margined  with  white ;  outer  margin  narrowest ;  lesser  coverts  white,  slightly  tipped  with 
brown ;  those  along  the  anterior  margins  of  the  wings  plumbeous ;  scapulars  margined 
with  brown;  tail  forked,  the  shafts  white ;  tips  and  outer  webs,  grayish-brown;  inner 
webs  white ;  irides  brown. 

"  Total  length,  thirteen  and  one-half  inches ;  wing  from  the  carpal  joint,  iwelre  and 
seven-tenths  inches ;  tail,  four  and  eight-tenths  inches ;  middle  feathers,  two  and  nine- 
tenths  inches ;  bill,  one  and  six-tenths  inches ;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  two  and  one- 
half  inches ;  tarsi,  ninetesn-twentieths  of  an  inch ;  middle  toe,  one  and  two-tenths  inches ; 
nail,  three-tenths  of  an  inch.     Specimen,  a  young  female." 


NATATORES. 


385 


in  the  Museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy.    It  is  apparently  a 
species  peculiar  to  the  sea-coasts  of  the  Southern  Pacific  Ocean. 


4.  Sterna  heridionalis,  N<Ma. 

Sterna  antarctica,  Pbale,  ZooI.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  280  (1848,  not  of  Lesson, 
Trait6,  p.  621,  1831,  nor  of  Foster,  Desc.  p.  107, 1844). 

Sterna  hirundo,  Fringe  Maximilian  of  Wied,  Beitrage,  IV,  p.  805  ? 
Sterna  hirundo,  FosT.  Desc.  An.  p.  313  ? 

Aud.  B.  of  Am.  PI.  CCL;  oct.  ed.  PI.  CCCCXXXVI? 

Form. — Very  similar  to  that  of  Sterna  arcika  and  Sterna  hirundo,  but 
is  larger  than  either,  and  has  the  bill  disproportionately  longer  and 
more  robust ;  tarsi  and  tail  longer.  Bill  long,  rather  stout ;  wings 
long,  first  primary  longest;  tail  deeply  forked,  and  with  the  feathers 
gradually  tapering,  and  pointed  at  the  ends ;  legs  moderate ;  feet 
rather  small;  toes  fully  webbed;  shafts  of  primary  strong,  flattened. 

Dimensions. — Total  length  (of  skin),  fifteen  inches;  wing,  twelve 
inches ;  tail,  seven  and  a  quarter  inches. 

Colors. — Head  above,  and  occiput  black;  back  and  wings  very  light 
cinereous ;  neck  behind,  rump,  and  entire  under  parts,  white.  Quills 
darker  cinereous ;  first  primary,  with  its  outer  web  black ;  all  the  pri- 
maries bordered  with  white  on  the  inner  webs ;  shafts  of  primaries, 
white.  Tail  white,  external  feathers  with  their  outer  webs,  pale 
cinereous.  Bill  scarlet ;  feet  orange ;  middle  claws  black.  Colors 
generally  lighter  than  those  of  S.  arctica,  or  S.  hirundo. 

Hab. — Southern  coasts  of  South  America.  Orange  Bay.  Speci- 
men in  collection,  Exp.  Exp.  and  Acad.  Philadelphia. 

We  much  suspect  that  this  L  the  bird  figured  by  Mr.  Audubon,  and 
described  by  him  as  identical  with  Sterna  arctica,  Temm.  Of  the  bird 
of  the  coast  of  North  America  we  have  never  seen  a  specimen,  but 
the  figure  alluded  to  does  not  represent  the  species  given  by  European 
naturalists  under  that  name,  and  of  which  numerous  specimens  are  in 

97 


386 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


the  collection  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy.  The  difference  will  be 
readily  observed  on  comparison  of  Mr.  Audubon's  Plate  CCL,  with  that 
of  Mr.  Gould,  in  Birds  of  Europe,  V,  PI.  CCCCXIX. 

The  present  species  resembles  Sterna  arctica,  but  is  larger  in  all  its 
measurements,  and  may  readily  be  distinguished  by  its  larger  and 
stronger  bill,  and  in  the  same  manner  diflfers  also  from  Sterna  Jiirundo, 
of  the  coast  of  the  United  States. 

Mr.  Peale  alludes  to  this  bird  as  follows  : 

''  This  species  is  not  uncommon  along  the  southern  coasts  of  South 
America.  Our  specimens  are  from  Orange  Bay,  Cape  Horn.  Its 
voice,  size,  and  general  habits,  are  so  like  its  northern  prototypes, 
Sterna  arctica  and  hirundo,  that  it  requires  comparison  to  be  con- 
vinced of  the  specific  difterence.  But  the  intensely  scarlet  bill,  which 
has  not  a  black  point,  like  that  of  the  northern  bird,  the  lighter- 
colored  mantle,  and  the  length  of  the  tarsus,  destroy  their  identity. 

"  Young  birds  have  the  crown  and  occiput  mottled  black  and 
white." 

This  bird  is  also  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  frequently  observed 
at  various  localities  on  the  coast  of  South  America,  but  especially  at 
Orange  Bay,  as  above  intimated.  Specimens,  in  mature  plumage,  are 
in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition.  We  find  no  name  for  this  species, 
and  accordingly  propose  the  designation  above  given,  fully  aware, 
however,  of  the  difficulties  attending  sucli  description  of  proceeding 
in  this  complex  group. 


I 


5.  Sterna  fuliginosa,  Gmelin. — The  Sooty  Tern. 

Sterna  fullginota,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  605  (1788). 

Sterna  urrata,  Fokst.  Dcsc.  An.  p.  270  (1844). 

Sterna  oahuemis,  Bloxiiam,  Voy.  Blonde,  p.  251  (1826). 


Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VIII,  Plate  LXXII,  fig.  7 ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am. 
Plate  CCXXXV ;  oct.  ed.  VII,  Plate  CCCCXXXII ,  Gould,  B.  of 
Aust.  VII,  Plate  XXXII.  , 

Specimens  from  the  Pacific   are  apparently  identical  specifically 
with  the  bird  found  on  the  coast  of  the  United  States. 
Mr.  Peale  mentions  it  as  follows  : 


m 


NATATORES. 


887 


"  Observed  throughout  all  the  islands  of  the  Dangerous  Archipelago 
or  Paumotu  Group,  and  on  most  of  the  coral  islands  of  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  breeding  on  those  that  arc  not  inhabited  by  man.  At  Honden 
Island,  this  bird  was  found  in  great  numbers,  on  the  21st  of  August, 
when  the  young  were  just  able  to  fly.  The  nests  were  mere  concavities 
in  the  coral  sand,  under  low  bushes.  The  number  and  proximity  were 
such,  that  it  required  great  care  in  walking,  to  avoid  crushing  both 
young  and  old  birds  under  our  feet. 

"  The  young  is  entirely  brown ;  the  dorsal  feathers  tipped  with 
yellowish-white ;  the  outer  tail-feathers  not  attenuated,  as  in  the 
adult.  Egg  two  and  one-tenth  inches  long,  by  one  and  nine-tenths 
inches  in  diameter,  yellowish-white,  with  umber  spots,  some  of  which 
are  very  pale,  and  appear  as  if  seen  through  the  shell." 

We  have  great  pleasure  in  transferring  to  our  pages  the  following 
sketch  of  this  species,  and  of  one  of  the  localities  at  which  it  was 
found  in  abundance,  for  which  we  are  again  indebted  to  the  kindness 
of  Dr.  Pickering : 

"October  7th,  1839.  Land  was  discovered  this  forenoon,  appearing 
like  a  single  rock  in  the  midst  of  the  ocean,  but  on  nearer  approach, 
this  was  found  to  be  a  clump  of  trees.  Indeed,  this  appearance  is  so 
deceptive  at  times,  that  Captain  Vanderford,  who  appears  to  have  first 
seen  this  island  (near  twenty  years  ago),  passing  it  during  a  strong 
breeze,  while  the  surf  was  beating  heavily,  did  not  suspect  its  true 
character. 

"  Rosa  Island  is  in  fact  an  annular  coral  reef,  precisely  similar  in 
its  structure  to  others,  but  is  inundated  at  high  water,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  two  banks,  one  of  which  is  covered  by  a  grove  of  trees. 
The  remainder  is  in  general  only  distinguishable  by  a  line  of  breakers 
and  masses  of  dead  coral  projecting  above  the  shelf.  It  appeared  to 
be  scarcely  more  than  two  miles  in  diameter  in  any  direction.  Mr. 
Couthouy  found  here  some  boulders  of  vesicular  lava,  the  first  that 
we  have  seen  in  any  of  the  Coral  Islands ;  and  some  were  also  seen  by 
myself,  smooth  and  rounded,  and  weighing  perhaps  twenty  pounds. 
They  evidently  could  not  have  been  brought  here  by  human  agency. 
Remained  on  shore  until  5  p.  M. 

"  Great  numbers  of  birds  were  seen  flying  over  and  about  the  grove 
above-mentioned,  and  perching  on  the  trees,  but  we  were  not  aware  of 
the  immense  multitude  until  we  reached  the  spot,  when  various  spe- 
cies raised  into  the  air  literally  in  clouds.    The  Terns,  and  especially 


388 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Sterna  fuliginom,  came  out  from  under  the  low  branches  in  such  vast 
numberft,  that,  in  a  sort  of  defile,  I  ran  in  amongst  them,  and  merely 
striking  them  down  as  they  rose,  soon  obtained  as  many  as  I  could 
carry.  There  were  three  species  of  S^na,  one  of  Tachypetes,  and  per- 
haps three  of  Sula,  observed  in  this  island,  nearly  all  of  which  were 
engaged  in  rearing  their  young ;  and  it  seems  somewhat  remarkable, 
that  of  any  species,  we  very  rarely  noticed  more  than  a  single  egg  or 
young  bird  in  a  nest,  however  difierent  the  genera  might  be,  as  though 
it  was  a  conventional  arrangement  amongst  themselves. 

"  The  Sooty  Tern  {S.  ful'ujinma)  was  more  numerous  than  all  the 
others  combined.  Its  breeding-place  occupied  the  weather  side  of  the 
grove,  or  that  most  exposed  to  the  sea,  and  extended  backwards  per- 
haps  seventy  feet.  The  trees  on  this  side  gradually  diminished  in 
size,  presenting  outwards  a  dense  thicket  of  branches  almost  to  the 
ground,  beneath  which  the  birds  were  obliged  to  crowd  out  before  tak- 
ing flight.  The  extremities  of  the  brandies  over  this  breeding-place 
were  observed  to  be  bare  of  leaves  and  thickened  and  projecting.  In 
some  instances  there  were  evident  signs  of  the  leaves  having  been 
cropped,  though  whether  universally  so,  or  for  what  purpose,  I  am  at 
a  loss  to  conjecture,  but  it  evidently  has  had  the  effect  of  gradually 
rendering  the  thicket  more  impervious. 

"  The  eggs  of  this  species  were  placed  on  the  ground,  under  the 
thicket,  without  any  nest,  but  with  some  regularity,  at  about  the  dis- 
tance of  two  and  a  half  feet  apart.  In  two  inst&nces  only,  out  of  at 
least  a  thousand  observed,  there  were  two  eggs  together.  'I' heir  color 
was  dirty-whitish,  splashed  and  mottled  with  reddish-brown.  The 
birds,  after  having  once  risen,  mostly  kept  flying  around  the  grove, 
and  their  cries  might  have  been  heard  at  a  considerable  distance.  It 
was  remarked  that,  on  the  discharge  of  a  gun,  or  a  loud  shout,  there 
was  universal  stillness  for  a  few  moments,  but  the  noise  soon  recom- 
menced." 

This  bird  is  again  repeatedly  mentioned  in  Dr.  Pickering's  Jour- 
nal, in  fact  at  nearly  all  points  visited  by  the  Expedition  in  the  Pacific 
Ocean.  It  is  one  of  the  most  extensively  diffused  of  aquatic  birds, 
being  found  in  temperate  and  tropical  regions  almost  throughout  the 
world.  Numerous  specimens  from  various  and  widely  separate  locali- 
ties are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 


NATATOKES. 


389 


8.  Orncs  OYGIS,  Wagkr,  Iiis,  1832,  p.  1228. 

1.  Gygis  alba  {Sparrman). — The  White  Tern. 

Slerna  alba,  Sparrm.  Mus.  Carli.  No.  XI  (not  paged,  1786). 
Sterna  Candida,  Qm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  607  (1788). 
Sterna  Candida,  FoRBT.  Deso.  An.  p.  179  (1844). 

Sparrm.  Mus.  Carls.  I,  Plate  XI ;  Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VII,  Plate 
XXX. 

Numerous  specimens  of  this  species  are  in  the  collection,  and  it  is 
frequently  alluded  to  as  having  been  noticed  at  various  localities  by 
the  naturalists. 

Mr.  Peale  states : 

"  This  singularly  beautiful  Tern  was  observed  on  all  the  Coral 
Islands,  in  the  tropical  regions  of  the  Pacific  Ocean ;  more  rarely  on 
the  high  islands.  It  alights  on  trees,  in  deep  shady  forests,  and 
follows  pertinaciously  all  human  intruders  on  these  solitudes,  uttering 
a  rather  melodious  note  (for  a  Tern).  Its  snowy-white  plumage  con- 
trasts beautifully  with  the  dark  green  foliage,  a  large,  dark-brown  eye 
adding  much  to  its  beauty. 

"  The  base  of  the  bill  is  of  a  beautiful  smalt-blue  color,  changing  to 
violet ;  the  tip  is  black ;  feet  pale  blue,  having  a  deeply  indented  yel- 
low membrane;  the  whole  leg  is  unusually  small  and  delicate.  A  few 
of  our  specimens  have  a  pale  rose  tint. 

''  From  the  singular  mode  of  incubation,  it  was  some  time  before  we 
could  discover  the  eggs,  but  having  once  made  the  discovery,  we  had 
frequent  opportunities  of  verifying  the  observation.  This  bird  lays 
one  egg  on  the  branch  of  a  tree,  a  knot,  or  slight  cavity,  barely  suffi- 
cient to  keep  it  from  rolling  ofif,  being  its  only  protection.  Both  parents 
display  great  affection  for  their  young,  bringing  small  fishes,  which 
they  take  at  sea  by  plunging,  like  their  congeners,  to  feed  them.  We 
sometimes  suspected  them,  from  their  actions,  of  catching  spiders  and 
other  insects,  but  have  not  been  able,  by  dissection,  to  detect  the 
remains  of  such  in  their  stomachs. 

''  The  egg  is  large  for  the  bird,  being  one  and  six-tenths  inches 
long,  and  one  and  two-tenths  inches  in  diameter ;  the  ends  nearly 
alike  in  form ;  color  brownish-white,  sprinkled  with  threadlike  spots 
and  patches  of  burnt  umber,  some  very  pale,  as  though  seen  through 

98 


'TwriPFT 


890 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


the  shell.  Where  there  are  no  trees,  the  points  of  the  coral  rocks 
furnish  a  common  substitute  for  the  branch  of  a  tree,  selected  in  more 
favorable  situations." 

The  remarkable  fact  of  the  deposit  of  the  egg  of  this  species  on  the 
branches  of  trees  and  in  other  exposed  situations,  is  confirmed  by  Mr. 
Gould,  in  his  Birds  of  Australia,  and  by  other  authors. 

In  the  Journal  of  Dr.  Pickering,  we  find  frequent  allusions  to  this 
bird,  which  is  apparently  one  of  the  most  abundant  of  the  species 
found  inhabiting  the  islands  of  the  Pacific.  He  mentions  it  especially 
as  common  at  Sydney  Island,  under  date  of  August  26th,  1839,  and 
alludes  to  a  specimen  having  been  obtained  living.  "  It  is,"  he  says, 
"  more  of  a  perching  bird  than  the  true  Terns,  though  its  feet  appear 
to  be  more  fully  webbed  than  I  remember  to  have  Heen  in  them.  The 
voice  of  this  specimen  was  a  faint  low  growl,  not  often  uttered,  and 
when  annoyed,  would  snap  a  little  with  its  bill,  distinctly  raising  the 
upper  mandible,  but  was,  on  the  whole,  very  gentle.  It  is  a  beautiful 
bird,  and  reminds  me  rather  of  a  snow-white  Dove  than  a  sea-bird." 
Previously,  under  date  of  August  19th,  at  Gardner's  Island,  he  states : 
"  The  White  Tern  is  abundant  here,  and  its  egg  has  been  found  for 
the  first  time.  It  was  placed  in  the  fork  of  two  branches  of  a  tree, 
without  any  semblance  of  a  nest,  and  is  the  smallest  egg  of  a  sea-bird 
that  we  have  yet  found ;  it  is  of  a  dull  white  color,  tliickly  mottled 
with  dark  brown,  and  obtuse  at  each  end." 

This  beautiful  little  species  appears  to  be  peculiar  to  the  Southern 
Hemisphere,  and  is  known,  for  the  greater  part,  as  a  bird  of  the  South 
Pacific  Ocean.  Excellent  specimens  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expe- 
dition. 


■  00    OF    GY0I8    AT.BA. 


NATATORES. 


891 


4.  OiNVS  INOA,  Jardine,  Gont.  to  Orn.  1850,  p.  82, 
1.  Inca  mtstioalis,  Jardine. 

Inca  mytticalU,  Jardini,  Oont.  to  Orn.  1850,  p.  82. 
Sterna  inca,  Lesson,  Voy.  Ooquille,  Zool.  1,  p.  781  (1826), 

Voy.  Coquille,  Zool.  Atlas,  Birds,  Plate  XLVII. 

Dr.  Pickering  observes  of  this  bird  ; 

"  This  may,  perhaps,  belong  to  the  Noddies,  but  it  has  little  of  the 
habits  and  mode  of  flight  of  any  of  the  Terns  of  the  Atlantic  coast  of 
the  United  States  with  which  I  am  acquainted.  There  is  little  sail* 
ing  in  its  flight,  but  a  rapid  flexion  of  the  wings,  which  are  apparently 
broader  and  shorter  than  in  the  Terns.  This  bird  sometimes  hovers 
near  the  surface,  and  dives  entirely  under  the  water.  Excetdingly 
abundant  in  the  harbor  of  Callao,  and  breeds  abundantly  on  the  Inland 
of  San  Lorenzo." 


6.  Gends  ANGUS,  Stephem,  Gen.  Zool.  XIII,  p.  140  (1825). 

1.  Angus  stolidus  {Linn.).— The  Noddy.    The  Noddy  Tern. 

Sterna  ttolida,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  277  (1766). 
Anoua  nigtr,  Stiph.  Gen.  Zool.  XIII,  p.  140  (1825). 

Catesby,  Carolina,  PI.  LXXXVIII ;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  PI.  CCLXXV ; 
oct.  ed.  VII,  PI.  CCCCXL.    Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VIl,  PI.  XXXIV. 

Numerous  specimens,  from  the  shores  and  islands  of  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  present,  with  some  degree  of  uniformity,  small  and  apparently 
unimportant  differences  from  others  from  the  Atlantic  coast  of  the 
continent  of  America.  The  bill  appears  to  be  larger  in  the  latter, 
and  a  slight  dissimilarity  is  observable  in  the  colors.  On  careful  com- 
parison, however,  we  are  not  inclined  to  regard  the  bird  of  the  Pacific 
%s  possessing  characters  sufficient  to  justify  a  distinct  specific  designa- 
tion, but  venture  to  suggest  that  further  examination  of  specimens, 


392 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


"*;  -^ 


from  localities  in  the  two  great  oceans,  and  especially  of  the  various 
immature  plumages,  is  yet  desirable. 

Regarded  as  one  species,  this  bird  has  a  most  extensive  range  of 
locality,  and  is  mentioned  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  in  the 
Vincennes  and  Peacock,  as  having  been  observed  very  frequently,  and 
at  widely  distant  points,  especially  in  the  Pacific  Ocean. 

Mr.  Peale  states,  with  reference  to  this  bird : 

"A  specimen  was  obtained  on  the  equator,  in  longitude  17° 44'  30" 
in  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  It  was  attracted  by  the  light  at  night,  while 
persons  were  ascertaining  the  temperatuie  of  the  water.  The  skin 
cannot  be  distinguished  from  many  others  obtained  at  the  Dangerous 
Archipelago,  New  Zealand,  and  other  parts  of  the  Pacific  Ocean,  ex- 
cept that  all  our  specimens  taken  in  the  Pacific  Ocean  are  rather 
larger.  y  / 

"  Unlike  the  Sooty  Tern  (Sterna  fiiUginosa),  the  presence  of  this 
species  does  not  indicate  the  vicinity  of  land.  On  the  islands  of  the 
Pacific  Ocean,  it  builds  its  nest  of  sticks,  on  trees;  the  eggs  are  brown- 
ish-white, spotted  with  reddish-brown,  two  and  two-tenths  inches  long, 
and  one  and  one-half  inches  in  diameter." 

At  Gardner's  Island,  under  date  of  August  19th,  this  species  is 
alluded  to  by  Dr.  Pickering,  as  of  common  occurrence,  "  Its  nest,"  he 
observes,  "  is  built  in  the  forks  of  a  tree,  with  much  more  care 
than  is  usual  in  this  family.  The  egr;  or  young  is  single  in  all  the 
instances  noticed ;  the  former  rather  large  for  the  size  of  the  bird, 
white,  with  a  few  reddish-brown  blotches."  Subsequently,  at  sea, 
under  date  of  September  4th,  he  states:  "A  common  Noddy  alighted 
to-day  on  the  taffrail,  and  was  taken  by  hand.  It  appeared  to  have 
but  very  limited  power  of  perching,  although  it  nests  in  trees,  and 
evidently  preferred  walking.  It  seemed  awkward  and  confused  enough 
at  first,  but  in  an  hour  or  two  appeared  to  become  accustomed  to  con- 
finement, and  adjusted  its  feathers  very  carefully,  using  its  bill,  and 
spreading  its  wings  and  tail  quite  gracefully.  It  was  set  at  liberty  in 
the  afternoon,  but  would  not  leave  the  ship  for  some  time  afterwards.' 

This  bird  is  mentioned  by  Dr.  P'ckering,  at  nearly  ail  points  visited 
by  the  Expedition  in  the  Southern  Pacific  Ocean.  Numerous  speci- 
mens are  in  the  collection,  in  good  plumage  and  preservation. 


1 1 


NATAT0RE3. 


393 


2.  Angus  leucocapillus,  Gould. 

AnouB  lencocapillui,  Gould,  Proc.  Zool.  Soo.  London,  1845,  p.  103. 
"  Sttrna  Unuiroitrii,  Temm."  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  284. 

Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VII,  Plate  XXXVI.  ^ 

Specimens  from  the  Paiimotu  Islands  are  precisely  similar  to  the 
Australian  specimens  in  Mr.  Gould's  collection. 

Relating  to  this  species,  the  following  is  given  by  Mr.  Peale : 

"  Obtained  at  Raraka,  one  of  the  Paumotu  Islands,  in  the  Pacific 
Ocean.  Its  flight  and  general  habits  are  like  those  of  the  Noddy,  but 
it  does  not  appear  to  wander  so  far  from  land,  and  it  is  perhaps  more 
restricted  to  the  intertropical  regions  of  the  Pacific  Ocean." 

"  We  found  this  bird  breeding  on  Enderby's  Island,  on  the  9th  of 
January,  in  great  numbers.  The  females  lay  but  one  egg  each,  on  the 
ground,  without  a  nest,  and  generally  under  the  edge  of  a  rock  or 
bunch  of  grass.  The  egg  is  irregularly  spotted  with  brown,  rarely  it 
is  entirely  white." 

Thief  handsome  species  is  apparently  another  of  the  peculiar  sea- 
birds  of  the  South  Pacific  Ocean,  and  appears  to  be  rather  hiore  re- 
stricted in  its  range  of  locality  than  is  usual  in  this  group.  Specimens 
in  the  collection  are  in  mature  plumage,  and  present  no  characters 
other  than  as  described  and  figured  by  Mr.  Gould  in  his  Birds  of  Aus- 
tralia, above  cited. 


3.  Angus  parvulus,  Oould. 


Anous  parvuhs,  Gould,  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  London,  1845,  p.  104. 
Megalopteriii  plumbem,  p£.\LE,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  285  (1848),* 

*  "  General  form,  light  and  graceful;  lead-colored,  palest  near  the  bill;  quills  darkest; 
tbe  external  web  of  the  first  quill  black ;  secondaries  tipped  with  white ;  tail  forked,  but 
having  the  exterior  feathers  shorter  than  the  nest,  which  are  longest;  brow  black;  the 
posterior  half  of  the  eyelids  white ;  irides  brown ;  bill  slender,  black ;  inside  of  the  mouth 
salmon-yellow ;  legs  rather  largo,  black ;  the  toe-membran«s  full,  yellowish-white ;  hind 
toe  rudimentary,  and  having  a  straight  nail." 

99 


i 


394 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Of  this  little-known  species  several  specimens  are  in  the  collection 
of  the  Expedition,  and  we  find  it  noticed  as  occurring  at  various  points. 
The  specimens  alluded  to  are  very  nearly  uniform  in  their  characters, 
and  coincide  with  Mr.  Gould's  specimens  now  in  the  collection  of  the 
Philadelphia  Academy,  and  with  the  description  by  him,  above  cited, 
though  measurements  given  by  Mr.  Peale  are  greater  than  those  of 
Mr.  Gould  in  his  description.  Those  of  Mr.  Peale  are,  however,  pro- 
bably derived  from  the  recently  killed  bird,  and  are  stated  as  follows : 

"  Total  length,  ten  and  one-half  inches ;  extent  of  wing8,*twenty-one 
and  one-fourth  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  seven  and  six- 
tenths  inches ;  outer  tail-feathers,  three  and  five-tenths  inches ;  second, 
four  and  one-tenth  inches ;  middle,  two  and  seven-tenths  inches ;  bill, 
one  inch;  to  the  corners  of  the  mouth,  one  and  four-tenths  inches; 
middle  toe,  one  and  two-tenths  inches ;  tarsi,  nineteen-twentieths  of  an 
inch;  hind  toe,  including  the  nail,  one-tenth  of  an  inch.  Mule. 
Sexes  alike  in  size  and  color." 

The  account  of  this  bird  given  by  Mr.  Peale  is : 

'*  This  plain  but  pretty  bird  was  seen  first  at  Honden  Island,  one  of 
the  Paumotu  Group,  gn  the  21st  of  August.  Its  eggs  were  then  found 
in  slight  concavities  of  the  coral  rocks,  near  the  beach,  without  any 
nest  or  lining  materials.  Three  eggs  were  found  in  one  concavity, 
the  whole  number  is  probably  four.  The  egg  is  one  and  one-half 
inches  long  by  one  and  one-tenth  inches  in  diameter,  larger  at  one  end, 
and  with  both  ends  rounded ;  the  color  is  that  of  pale  cream,  with 
irregular  and  scattered  spots  of  sepia-brown,  some  of  them  very  pale." 

"  We  saw  this  species,  now  and  then,  though  rarely,  as  we  passed 
the  equatorial  regions  of  the  Pacific  Ocean,  on  or  near  coral  islets. 
When  away  from  their  eggs  or  broods,  it  is  rare  to  hear  them  utter 
any  cry ;  but  when  anxious  about  either,  they  are  noisy,  though  the 
voice  is  much  less  harsh  than  that  of  most  Terns.  Their  flight  is 
easy  and  bat-like,  from  the  great  width  of  their  wings  and  tail." 


6.  Genus  PHAETON,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  219  (1766). 
1.  Phaeton  ^thereus,  Limi. — The  White-tailed  Tropic  Bird. 

Phaeton  athereut,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  219  (1766). 
Phaeton  Catesburi,  Brandt. 


NATATORES. 


895 


Buff.  PI.  Enl.  998;  Catesby's  Carolina,  Plate  XIV;  Aud.  B.  of 
Am.  Plate  CCLXII ;  oct.  ed.  VII,  Plate  CCCCXXVII. 

Frequently  mentioned  as  occurring  at  various  localities  visited 
during  the  voyage  of  the  Expedition,  and  is  a  widely  extended 
species.  It  occasionally  is  found  on  the  southern  sea-coasts  of  the 
United  States. 

Mr.  Peale  states : 

"  Soon  after  the  Expedition  had  left  the  Chesapeake  Bay  and  was 
on  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  in  latitude  38°  13'  N.,  longitude  60°  35'  W. 
of  Greenwich,  we  saw  this  species,  which  is  the  northern  limit,  pro- 
bably, of  its  range.  A  few  breed,  possibly,  on  this  part  of  our  coast, 
as  we  have  known  young  birds,  just  fledged,  to  have  been  killed  on 
the  Potomac,  in  the  month  of  October. 

"  In  the  Pacific  Ocean,  we  saw  this  bird  frequently,  but  not  so  far 
north.  It  was  always  seen  in  greatest  abundance  near  '  high  isla  nds.' 
It  breeds  ir  holes  made  in  the  face  of  a  rocky  precipice ;  and,  Wiisre 
such  places  occurred  within  the  tropics,  we  were  sure  to  find  them. 
In  the  mountainous  regions  of  the  Island  of  Tahiti,  it  is  quite  numer- 
ous ;  and,  formerly,  collecting  its  long  tail-feathers  was  a  profession 
belonging  to  a  particular  class  of  the  natives." 

Specimens,  from  the  Paumotu  Islands,  are  in  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition.  This  bird  is  frequently  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as 
having  been  noticed  in  abundance,  and  especially  in  the  Island  of 
Tahiti,  as  above  stated. 


2.  PiiAETON  RUBRiCAUDA,  Bodchiert. — The  Red-tailed  Tropic  Bird, 

Phaeton  ruhrkauda,  BoDD.  Tab.  PI.  Enl.  p.  57  (1783). 
Phaeton  phoenkurus,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  583  (1788). 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  979  ;  Vieill.  Gal.  II,  Plate  CCLXXIX ;  Gould,  B.  of 
Aust.  VII,  Plate  LXXIII. 


Also  a  widely  diffused  species,  and  frequently  mentioned  by  the 
naturalists  of  the  Expedition.  Specimens  are  in  the  collection  from 
the  Samoan  Islands. 

Tliis  species  is  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering  as  having  been  found 


896 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


breeding  at  Honden  Island,  and  also  at  Gardner's  Island.  *'  The  Red- 
tailed  Tropic  Bird,"  he  states,  *'  was  found  breeding  on  the  ground, 
under  bushes.  Egg  single,  rather  larger  than  that  of  a  hen,  with  a 
rough  surface  of  a  dingy  white,  with  chocolate-colored  markings.  The 
young  have  many  feathers  banded  with  black,  and  are  without  the 
long  red  tail-feathers."  At  Sydney  Island,  under  date  of  August  26th, 
he  mentions  :  "  Phaeton  phoenicurm  seemed  more  abundant  than 
usual,  and  suffered  itself  to  be  taken  on  its  nest  by  the  hand.  Its 
single  egg,  as  before  stated,  was  invariably  on  the  ground,  under  the 
bushes.  At  Tahiti,  the  natives  brought  us  several  living  specimens, 
which  they  had  secured  from  biting  in  a  quite  effectual  but  very  bar- 
barous manner,  by  passing  the  upper  mandible  through  the  lower  at 
its  bifurcation.  This  bird  v/as  occasionally  seen  to  plunge  into  the 
water,  retippearing  again  immediately ;  it  was  also  seen  sometimes 
resting  on  the  surface.  Its  flight  is  often  low,  and  constantly  cours- 
ing around  each  other,  and  skimming  over  the  surface  of  the  water 
with  considerable  velocity. 

"  The  young  bird  of  this  species,  apparently  just  hatched,  was  found 
at  Honden  Island,  and  was  brought  on  board  by  Dr.  Fox.  It  is 
covered  with  long  soft  hairs,  giving  it  a  very  singular  appearance, 
and  it  might  almost  have  been  mistaken  for  a  young  quadruped  as  it 
sat  with  its  legs  concealed  under  its  body.  The  parent  birds  suffered 
themselves  to  be  taken  from  their  nests  by  the  hand,  only  making 
some  resistance  with  the  bill." 

The  following  are  Mr.  Peale'p  remarks  on  this  bird  : 

"  This  species  abounds  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Coral  Islands  of  the 
Pacific  Ocean,  though  met  with  less  frequently  near  the  high  islands. 
It  does  not  construct  a  nest,  but  lays  its  eggs  on  the  ground  in  shallow 
holes,  under  coral  ledges  or  tussucks  of  grass.  The  female  generally 
produces  but  one  egg,  which  is  white,  finely  speckled,  and  clouded 
with  chocolate-color,  and  occasionally  almost  pure  white.  It  measures 
two  and  six-tenths  inches  in  length,  and  one  and  eight>tenths  inches 
in  diameter ;  pointed  at  one  end. 

"The  bill,  in  adult  birds,  is  scarlet,  inclining  to  an  orange-color; 
irides  brown  ;  feet  pale  blue,  with  the  toes  black.  Some  specimens 
have  the  plumage  silvery-white ;  others  of  a  pale  ros&K2olor.  The 
young  birds  have  black  or  pale  blue-black  bills;  all  the  dorsal  plumage 
barred  with  black ;  beneath  white ;  the  long  middle  feathers  of  the 
tail  are  at  first  white,  but  assume  their  bright  red  color  after  the  first 
moult." 


NATATORES. 


397 


"  An  old  male,  of  a  beautiful  rose  tint,  suffered  himself  to  be  taken, 
by  hand,  off  an  egg.  Many  others  were  taken  in  the  same  manner, 
but  they  were  generally  females.  This  was  at  Honden  Island,  on  the 
21st  of  August,  at  which  time,  we  found  freshly-laid  eggs  and  young 
birds  just  ready  to  fly,  showing  that  the  seasons  of  incubation  of  this 
species  are  not  regular. 

''  Both  this  and  the  preceding  species  {P.  cBthereua),  take  their  food, 
which  is  generally  living  fishes,  by  diving  after  them,  from  the  wing, 
in  the  same  manner  as  the  Terns." 

Mr.  Peale's  observations  in  reference  to  the  color  of  the  tail  in  the 
young  of  this  bird  is  of  much  importance,  and  will  account  for  the 
confusion  that  exists  in  ornithological  works  in  relation  to  this  and 
the  preceding  species.  The  two  are,  however,  quite  distinct,  so  much 
so  in  fact,  that  they  have  been  assigned  to  separate  genera  by  the 
Prince  Bonaparte,  in  his  Monograph  of  this  group,  in  Conspectus 
Avium,  II,  p.  183.  The  preceding  species,  he  regards  as  the  type  of 
the  genus  Phaeton,  Linnaeus,  and  the  latter  as  that  of  his  new  genus, 
Phoenicurua. 

Specimens,  in  excellent  preservation  and  in  various  stages  of  plu- 
mage, are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition. 


7.  Genus  DIOMEDEA,  Linnceus,  Syat.  Nat.  I,  p.  214  (1766). 

1.  DiOMEDEA  EXULANS,  lAnn. — The  Wandering  Albatross. 

Diomedea  exulans,  Linn.  Syst.  Not.  I,  p.  214  (1766). 
Diomedea  tpadicea,  Qn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  568  (1788). 

Buff.  PI.  Enl.  237 ;  Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VII,  Plate  XXXVIII ; 
Vieill.  Gal.  II,  Plate  CCXCV. 


Of  this  well-known  species,  the  largest  of  the  searbirds,  we  find 
numerous  specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  from  both 
the  Atlantic  and  Pacific  Oceans.  Its  occurrence  we  find  quite  fre- 
queutly  recorded,  with  great  care,  by  Dr.  Pickering,  and  it  is  evidently 
one  of  the  most  abundant  and  widely  diffused  species  of  its  family. 

We  introduce,  from  the  Journal  of  Dr.  Pickering,  the  following 
notices  of  this  remarkable  species : 

100 


398 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


"  Diomedea  exulana  was  first  seen  in  the  Atlantic,  on  the  22d  day  of 
January,  1839,  in  latitude  40"*  S.,  on  the  passage  from  Rio  de  Janeiro 
to  the  Bio  Negro,  and  occasionally  afterwards  to  Cape  Horn,  and  as 
far  south  as  the  cruise  extended.  A  smaller  species  of  Albatross  had 
previously  been  seen  frequently. 

"  This  bird  seemed  much  more  common  in  the  Pacific,  especially 
on  the  passage  to  Callao ;  and,  on  the  4th  of  April,  in  about  latitude 
42°  south,  in  thick  drizzling  weather,  numbers  were  taken  with  hooks 
and  lines.  Similar  instances  were  spoken  of  by  persons  on  board  as 
having  occurred  in  their  experience,  and  our  being  on  whaling-ground 
was  the  attributed  cause  of  the  abundance  of  this  species." 

Under  date  of  Ist  of  April,  1839,  Dr.  Pickering  mentions  : 

"A  female  specimen  of  the  large  Albatross,  shot  to-day,  measured 
nine  feet  seven  inches  in  extent  of  wings,  and  weighed  eighteen 
pounds.  Tongue  short  and  fleshy,  with  lacinice  pointed  backwards ; 
stomach  membranous  only."  On  the  4th  of  April,  he  says :  "  Alba- 
trosses numerous,  and  several  taken,  the  largest  of  which  measured 
ten  feet  in  extent  of  wings.  All  of  them  appeared  to  be  entirely 
unable  to  walk  or  even  to  stand  on  the  deck  of  the  vessel.  On  differ- 
ent specimens  were  two  species  of  JPsdiculua,  one  of  which  was  large 
and  very  curious,  having  the  fore  feet  very  short ;  length  seven-twen- 
tieths of  an  inch.  On  one  specimen  were  numerous  specimens  of  the 
young  of  Anati/a,  apparently  just  having  attached  themselves  as  the 
bird  had  been  captured." 

Though  admitted  by  Mr.  Nuttall  as  a  species  of  North  America 
(Manual  of  the  Ornithology  of  the  U.  S.  and  Canada,  II,  p.  340),  no 
instance  of  this  gigantic  bird  having  been  observed  on  the  coast  of  the 
United  States  has  ever  come  to  our  notice.  It  is  possible,  however,  that 
it  may  yet  be  detected  on  the  shores  of  California. 


2.  Diomedea  bbachtura,  Temminck. — The  Short-tailed  Albatross. 

Diomedea  brachyura,  Temm.  PI.  Col.  V,  p.  (liv.  75,  about  1828). 
Diomedea  nigripe»,  AUD.  Orn.  Siog.  V,  p.  827  (1889). 


Temm.  PI.  Col.  V,  Plate  DLIV;  Temm.  &  Schleg.  Faun.  Japon. 
Plate  LXXXVII ;  Cassin,  Birds  of  California  and  Texas,  Plate 
XXXV,  L;  Gould,  Birds  of  Aust.  VII,  Plate  XXXIX. 


NATATORES. 


899 


This  Albatross  probably  inhabits  the  entire  extent  of  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  from  the  northern  coasts  of  America  and  Asia  to  Australia, 
venturing,  perhaps,  farther  northward  than  any  other  species  of  its 
genus.  It  was  ascertained,  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition,  to  be 
of  frequent  occurrence  on  the  coasts  of  Oregon  and  California,  and,  for 
the  first  time,  demonstrated  to  be  entitled  to  a  place  in  the  Fauna  of 
North  America.    It  is  given,  by  Mr.  Gould,  as  a  bird  of  Australia. 

Though  much  resembling  the  Wandering  Albatross,  and  occasionally 
mistaken  for  that  species,  the  present  bird  is  constantly  much  smaller, 
and  readily  distinguished.  It  is,  however,  larger  than  any  other  of 
the  species  of  this  group. 

Diomedea  nigripea,  Aud.,  is,  undoubtedly,  the  young  bird  of  this 
species;  and  the  change  from  the  uniform  dark-brown  plumage  of 
that  age  to  the  almost  pure  white  of  the  adult  probably  requires 
several  years,  as  stated  by  Mr.  Peale,  below.  In  the  brown  stage  of 
plumage,  this  bird  is  represented  in  the  plate  in  Temm.  and  Schleg., 
Fauna  Japonica,  above  cited,  and  in  our  Birds  of  California  and  Texas, 
PI.  XXXV. 

We  introduce,  with  much  pleasure,  the  following  account  of  this 
bird  by  Mr.  Peale  : 

"  Numbers  of  the  Short-tailed  Albatross  were  observed  by  the 
Expedition  on  the  Northwest  Coast  of  America,  and  it  is  probably  an 
inhabitant  of  all  of  the  Pacific  Ocean,  north  of  the  Tropic  of  Cancer, 
It  varies  as  much  in  the  colors  of  its  plumage  as  the  Wandering  Alba- 
tross, or  perhaps  more,  and  requires  many  years  to  attain  its  perfect 
dress.  The  changes  are  regularly  progressive.  Until  the  second  year, 
the  plumage  remains  of  a  dark  sooty-brown  color ;  the  bird  has  black 
feet,  and  a  dirty  flesh-colored  bill  (which  becomes  black  when  the  skin 
is  dried).     In  this  state  they  pair  and  raise  young. 

"  After  this  stage,  cloudy-white  spots  appear  about  the  base  of  the 
bill,  and  over  and  under  the  eyes ;  their  rumps  begin  to  show  a  con- 
spicuous spot  of  white  ;  the  bill  turns  yellow,  with  a  tinge  of  carmine, 
the  tip  bluish ;  the  legs  are  then  flesh-color ;  and  finally,  the  back, 
wings,  and  tail  become  cinereous-brown ;  rump,  head,  and  all  the 
under  parts,  pure  white ;  a  white  margin  shows  along  the  back  edge 
of  the  wing  as  the  bird  flies,  and  a  cloudy-black  spot  generally  remains 
in  front  of  the  eye  Thus,  in  some  years,  the  plumage  of  the  body  is 
changed  from  nearly  black  to  a  pure  snow-like  white. 

"  Usually,  birds  of  this  species  are  silent,  but  sometimes  they  quarrel 


i 
i 


400 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


over  the  offal  thrown  from  the  ship,  then  they '  bray'  in  much  the  same 
tone  as  the  ass.  They  are  easily  caught  with  a  hook  and  line,  but, 
owing  to  their  thick  plumage  and  tenacity  of  life,  it  is  difficult  to  kill 
them  with  shot. 

"  On  the  20th  of  December,  we  found  this  bird  breeding  at  Wake's 
Island.  The  single  egg  of  each  pair  was  laid  on  the  ground,  in  a 
slight  concavity,  without  any  lining  material ;  both  sexes  take  turns 
in  the  labors  of  incubation,  and  neither  the  male  nor  the  female  aban- 
doned the  nest  on  our  approach,  but  walked  around  us  in  a  very  digni- 
fied manner,  and  made  but  a  few  demonstrations  of  defence  with  their 
bills  when  taken  up  in  our  arms. 

"  The  egg  is  white,  of  an  oblong  figure,  with  the  ends  nearly  alike, 
and  measures  four  and  two-tenths  inches  long,  and  two  and  six-tenths 
inches  in  diameter. 

"  The  ^two  sexes  are  alike  in  plumage,  and  do  not  vary  much  in  size, 
the  males  being  rather  the  larger,  as  will  be  seen  from  the  following 
table  of  dimensions,  made  when  the  specimens  were  recently  killed  ; 
the  sex  was  determined  by  dissection,  after  measurement : 


Adult,  male, 

Young,  male, 

Adult,  female, 

Young,  female 

Young,  female, 

LtROTH, 

EXTtKT  or  WlHOS. 

2  feet,  10  inches. 
2    "      8}     " 
2    «      7}    " 
2    "      8J    " 
2    "      6*    " 

7  feet,    3  inches. 
7    "      8      " 
6    «      8      " 
6    "    10      " 
6    "    10      " 

"  It  was  not  our  fortune  to  observe  more  than  this  one  species  of 
Albatross  in  the  North  Pacific.  It  is  subject  to  great  variations  of 
plumage,  but  is  very  distinct  from  those  of  the  Southern  Hemisphere. 
The  Wandering  Albatross  {Diomedea  exulam),  and  the  'Yellow  Nose' 
{D.  chlororhyivchua),  both  of  which,  it  has  been  asserted,  have  been 
sometimes  found  in  the  northern  oceans,  we  believe,  on  the  contrary, 
to  be  entirely  restricted  to  the  Southern  Hemisphere.  We  saw  both 
of  the  last-named  species  and  also  the  Sooty  Albatross  as  far  south  as 
57°  41',  which  appeared  to  be  nearly  their  southern  limit.  Their 
northern  limits  of  migration,  on  the  Atlantic  shores  of  South  America, 
are  somewhere  about  the  Biver  La  Plata,  and,  on  the  Pacific  coasts, 
about  the  southern  parts  of  Peru." 


NATAT0RE3. 


401 


Dr.  Pickering  also  mentions  this  species  as  occurring  on  the  coast 
of  Oregon,  and  as  particularly  abundant  at  sea,  north  of  the  Sandwich 
Islands.  Under  date  of  10th  of  April,  1841,  on  the  passage  from  Oahu 
to  the  Northwest  Coast  oi  America,  he  states : 

"  A  small  species  of  Diomedea  is  about  us  to-day  and  yesterday, 
skimming  over  the  surface  of  the  water,  and  bending  its  long  wings, 
but  not  at  so  great  an  angle  as  is  usual  amongst  birds.  The  rate  at 
which  this  bird  flies  is  surprising,  though,  at  the  same  time,  its  wings 
may  be  without  perceptible  motion.  It  alights  in  the  water,  rather 
awkwardly,  apparently,  and  seemed  to  take  particular  care  to  adjust, 
or,  as  the  sailors  termed  it,  to  '  stow  away'  its  long  wings  without 
wetting  them.  It  swims  with  considerable  rapidity.  All  the  speci- 
mens yet  seen  are  entirely  blackish  or  of  a  dark  dove-color,  with  a 
white  frontlet,  or  a  circle  around  the  base  of  the  bill.  When  first  seen, 
these  birds  were  mistaken  for  Boobies  by  experienced  persons  on  board, 
but,  on  nearer  approach  or  with  good  glasses,  they  were  readily  ascer- 
tained to  be  Albatrosses.  I  mention  this  fact,  to  show  that  reports  of 
Boobies  having  been  seen  in  the  North  Pacific  should  be  received  with 
caution." 

Under  date  of  13th  of  April,  he  says  : 

"  Calm  during  the  whole  day,  but  the  Albatrosses  are  still  flying 
around,  notwithstanding  that  I  have  seen  stated  their  inability  to  rise 
from  the  water  during  calms.  They  are,  perhaps,  under  the  necessity 
of  flapping  their  wings  more  frequently  than  usual."  On  the  16th  of 
April,  latitude  30°  15'  N.,  he  says  :  "  Albatrosses,  the  same  species, 
still  about  us,  alighting  in  the  wake  of  the  vessel,  and  picking  up  any 
substances,  suitable  for  food,  thrown  overboard,  in  one  case  of  compe- 
tition for  which,  an  individual  uttered  a  faint  cry.  This  is  the  only 
instance  that  I  now  remember  of  ever  having  heard  an  Albatross 
utter  a  note  or  any  cry  whatever.  It  reminded  me  of  neither  the 
'  bleating  of  a  sheep'  nor  the  *  honk  of  a  goose,'  but  perhaps  may  re- 
semble something  intermediate.  The  whole  Petrel  tribe  seem  to  be 
remarkably  silent."  Dr.  Pickering  again  mentions  this  bird  on  the 
coast  of  Oregon. 

Numerous  specimens  are  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  and 
exhibit  the  various  stages  and  changes  of  plumage  above  mentioned. 

101 


m 


402 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


8.  GiNUS  THALASSIDROMA,  Viyori,  Zool.  Journ.  II,  p.  406  (1825). 

1.  THALASSIDROMA  WiLSONii  {Bmaparte). — Wilaon's  Stormy  Petrel, 

Mother  Carey's  Chicken. 

Procdlarxa  Wiltonii,  BoNAP.  Jour.  Acad.  Philada.  Ill,  p.  281  (1824). 
"  Procellaria  pelagica,"  Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  p.  90. 

Wilson,  Am.  Orn.  VII,  Plate  LX,  fig.  6;  Aud.  B.  of  Am.  Plate 
CCLXX;  oct.  ed.  VII,  Plate  CCCCLX. 

This  little  bird  and  other  species  very  similar  in  general  appearance 
are  of  extensive  diffusion,  and  are  known  to  seamen  as  Stormy  Petrels 
and  Mother  Carey's  Chickens.  The  present  species  is  abundant 
throughout  almost  the  whole  coast  of  the  continent  of  America  on  the 
Atlantic,  and  is  known  also  on  the  coasts  of  Europe,  thus  ranging  over 
nearly  the  entire  extent  of  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  It  has  been  observed 
also  in  the  Pacific,  and  is  given  by  Mr.  Gould  as  a  bird  of  the  coast  of 
Australia. 

This  species  is  frequently  mentioned  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Ex- 
pedition as  occurring  at  various  points,  and  we  find  in  the  collection 
numerous  specimens.  Through  the  kindness  of  Dr.  Pickering,  we  are 
enabled  to  introduce  the  following  note  on  this  bird  from  his  Journal, 
for  which  as  well  as  many  other  favors  we  beg  leave  to  express  our 
deep  sense  of  obligation.  It  occurs  under  date  of  October  24th,  1838, 
and,  from  the  latitude  and  longitude  given,  the  nearest  land  was  the 
coast  of  Africa : 

"  A  Stormy  Petrel  taken,  which  proved  to  be  Thalaaddroma 
Wihonii;  and,  although  this  species  and  others  of  its  genus  have  been 
constantly  seen  during  the  voyage  of  the  Expedition,  this  is  the  first 
specimen  that  has  been  captured  without  having  been  injured,  thus 
affording  whatever  facilities  can  be  obtained  on  shipboard  for  observ- 
ing its  manners. 

"  I  was  rather  surprised  to  observe  that  this  bird  was  not  only 
entirely  incapable  of  perching,  but  even  of  standing  upright  like  birds 
in  general,  and  as  I  have  seen  birds  of  this  genus  represented,  unless 
by  the  aid  of  its  wings.  In  standing  or  rather  sitting,  the  whole  of 
the  tarsus  (commonly  mistaken  for  the  leg),  rests  on  the  ground,  and 


MATATORES. 


403 


it  walks  in  the  same  awkward  position,  frequently  being  obliged  to 
balance  itself  with  its  wings.  With  a  more  powerful  exertion  of  its 
wings,  however,  it  was  enabled  to  run  along  on  its  toes,  in  the  same 
manner  that  it  does  over  the  surface  of  the  water.  The  absence  of  a 
hind  toe,  the  nails  being  but  slightly  bent  and  flat,  and,  perhaps  I  may 
add,  its  evidently  being  unaccustomed  to  this  description  of  locomotion, 
seemed  to  be  the  causes  of  its  helplessness  on  its  feet. 

"  These  birds  have  been  numerous  about  us  for  some  days  past,  and 
their  coursing  over  the  water  with  flitting  wings  reminds  me  of  the 
actions  of  butterflies  about  a  pool.  One  of  them  was  seen  swimming, 
or  at  least  resting,  on  the  surface.  We  have  seen  this  species  very 
frequently,  indeed  almost  daily,  since  leaving  America,  and  scarcely 
any  other  sea-birds,  except  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  islands. 
It  would  seem  that  it  scarcely  ever  visits  the  land,  except  for  the 
purposes  of  incubation,  and  there  can  hardly  be  a  better  comment  on 
its  untiring  power  of  wing  than  the  popular  fable  amongst  seamen, 
that  it  carries  its  egg  and  hatches  its  young  while  sitting  in  the  water. 
It  does  not  sail  in  the  continued  manner  of  the  gulls  and  some  other 
sea-birds,  but  moves  by  rapidly  flexing  its  wings  something  like  a  bat, 
and  was  continually  coursing  around  and  in  the  wakes  of  the  vessels, 
generally  in  considerable  numbers,  during  much  the  greater  part  of 
the  time  that  the  Expedition  was  in  the  Atlantic  Ocean." 

Subtesquently,  we  find  in  Dr.  Pickering's  Journal : 

"  Thalixsaidroma  Wihonii  was  taken  in  the  Atlantic,  in  latitude  35° 
south,  and  was  seen  occasionally  as  far  as  Cape  Horn.  In  the  Pacific, 
it  occurred  at  times  until  withiu  a  day's  sail  of  Callao." 

Specimens,  in  good  plumage  and  preservation,  are  in  the  collection, 
and  are  from  various  and  widely  remote  localities. 


2.  Thalassipboma  lineata,  Psale, 

Thalamdroma  lineata,  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Bird.s,  p.  293  (1st  ed.  1848). 
Plate  XXXIX.    Adult. 


T.  melanogastram  i'e/ert.  Saturate  fuliginosa,  tectridbxis  caudae  supe- 
rior ibua  abdomineque  albis,  hoc  lineoUs  fuUginods  notato.  Long.  tot. 
7i  pollices. 


404 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


FoBM. — About  the  size  of  and  resembling  T.  melanogaatm,  Gould.  Bill 
moderate  or  rather  short ;  wing  long ;  second  quill  longest ;  tail 
moderate,  wide;  legs  long,  rather  slender;  toes  thick,  flattened, 
fully  webbed. 

DiMEKSiONS. — Total  length  (of  skin),  male,  seven  and  one-fourth 
inches ;  wing  six  and  a  half  inches ;  tail  three  inches.  "  Extent  of 
wings  fifteen  and  a  half  inches."     (Peale.) 

Colors. — Male.  Head,  neck,  breast,  and  entire  upper  parts,  except 
the  upper  tail-coverts,  dark  fuliginous,  nearly  black  on  the  head  above 
and  back,  lighter  on  the  breast.  Upper  tail-coverts  white.  Abdomen 
and  under  tail-coverts,  white,  every  feather  having  a  longitudinal  and 
terminal  line  of  dark  fuliginous.  Feathers  of  the  throat  white  at  base. 
Greater  inferior  wing-coverts  light  ashy  or  nearly  white.  Tail-feathers 
white  on  their  inner  webs  for  about  half  their  length;  outer  webs  and 
terminal  half  of  both  webs,  dark  fuliginous.  "  Bill  and  legs,  including 
the  toe-membranes,  blue-block,  without  spots ;  irides  dark  brown." 
(Peale.) 

Hab. — Pacific  Ocean.     Island  of  Upolu. 

This  species,  of  which  but  a  single  specimen  is  in  the  collection  of 
the  Expedition,  considerably  resembles  Thalamdroma  melanogaatra, 
Gould,  B.  of  Australia,  VII,  PI.  LXII,  the  only  material  difierence 
being,  that  the  present  bird  has  each  of  the  white  feathers  of  the  abdo- 
men and  under  tail-coverts  marked  with  a  dark  fuliginous  line,  instead 
of  having  a  longitudinal  band  on  the  abdomen,  as  in  the  species  men- 
tioned. It  is  also  apparently  a  shade  darker  in  color ;  the  tibiae  and 
tarsi  are  more  robust,  and  the  toes  strong  and  flattened. 

The  specimen  now  before  us  h?&  not  the  appearance  of  a  young 
bird  ;  and  the  species,  so  far  as  we  caa  judge  from  a  single  individual, 
is  quite  distinct,  and,  as  such,  wb  accordingly  give  it,  but  without 
meaning  to  imply  that  we  have  fully  investigated  either  the  validity 
of  the  species  of  this  genus  or  the  extraordinary  complexity  and  appa- 
rent confusion  which  evidently  prevail  in  their  synonymy.  This  bird 
is,  however,  very  probably,  a  species  restricted  to  the  Southern  Pacific 
Ocean,  and  hitherto  unknown  to  naturalists. 

Of  this  bird,  unfortunately,  we  find  little  recorded  by  either  of  the 
naturalists  of  the  Expedition.    Mr.  Peale  only  observes : 


NATATORES. 


406 


"  This  bird  was  frequently  seen  within  the  torrid  Kone,  in  the  Pacific 
Ocean.  A  single  specimen  was  obtained  at  the  Island  of  Upolu,  from 
a  native,  who  represented  to  us  that  during  the  breeding  season  this 
species  lives  in  holes,  very  high  up  in  the  mountains." 

The  plate  of  our  Atlas,  cited  above,  represents  this  bird  of  the  size 
of  life.  According  to  the  Prince  Bonaparte,  this  species  belongs  to 
the  genus  Oceanitee,  Keyserling  and  Blasius,  which  includes  also 
Thalaaaidroma  Wilaoni.  In  his  Monograph  of  this  group,  in  ConspeC' 
tus  Avium,  II,  p.  199,  it  is  stated  that  specimens  of  the  present  species 
are  in  the  Imperial  Museum  at  Paris,  having  been  brought  from  the 
South  Pacific  Ocean  by  the  Expedition  in  the  Astrolabe.  One  speci- 
men only  is  in  the  present  collection. 


3.  Thalassidroma  furcata  (Om.). — The  Fork-tailed  Petrel. 

Proeellaria/urcata,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  561  (1788). 
ProctUaria  orientali$,  Pall.  Zoog.  Ross.  As.  II,  p.  315  (1811). 
"  Thalasiidrotna  plumbea,  Pkalb,  MS."  Peals,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  292 
(1848). 

Gray,  Gen.  Ill,  Plate  CLXXVIII ;  Cassin,  B.  of  Cal.  &  Tex.  I, 
Plate  XLVI;  Voy.  Sulphur,  Birds,  Plate  XXXIII. 


This  handsome  little  Petrel  though  accurately  described  by  Pen- 
nant, in  Arctic  Zoology,  II,  p.  255,  and  on  the  faith  of  whose  descrip- 
tion Gmelin  gave  the  scientific  name  as  above,  had  been  almost  lost 
sight  of  by  later  ornithologists,  until  noticed  by  the  naturalists  of  H. 
B.  M.  Ship  Sulphur,  and  by  those  of  the  present  Expedition  in  the 
Vincennes  and  Peacock. 

In  the  Zoology  of  the  "Voyage  of  the  Sulphur  (Birds,  p.  50,  London, 
1844),  this  bird  is  stated  to  have  been  obtained  at  Sitka,  in  Russian 
America,  though  nothing  is  given  relating  to  its  history.  The  speci- 
mens in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  from  the  coast  of  Oregon, 
where  this  species  was  observed  not  uncommonly,  and  therefore  de- 
monstrated to  be  entitled  to  admission  into  the  Ornithological  Fauna 
of  the  United  States. 

To  Dr.  Pickering  we  have  again  to  acknowledge  our  obligations  for 
a  notice  of  this  bird.    First  recording  its  occurrence  on  the  26th  of 

102 


V,] 


406 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


H 


April,  1840,  at  sea,  the  listance  from  the  coast  of  Oregon  being  about 
t\:o  hundred  miles,  he  mentions  it  more  fully  subsequently,  under  date 
of  the  29th  of  the  same  month,  as  follows : 

"  In  sight  of  the  coast  of  Oregon.  Great  numbers  of  tht  Gray  Tha- 
lassidroma  are  to-day  flitting  around  and  in  the  track  of  the  vessel,  very 
actively  engaged  in  searching  for  particles  of  food  thrown  overboard. 
Generally,  this  bird  reminds  me  of  T.  Wlhonii,  but  the  wings  seem 
longer  and  its  movements  appear  to  be  more  rapid,  and  in  fact  more 
like  that  of  the  larger  Petrels  {Procellaria) .  Tl,  occasionally  sails  in 
its  flight,  but,  for  the  greater  part,  moves  by  very  riplily  flexing  its 
wings,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  species  mentioned. 

"  These  birds  proved  not  difficult  to  capture,  and  several  specimens 
were  taken  with  a  hook  and  line.  They  would  dive  a  foot  or  two 
after  the  bait,  making  use  of  their  wings  in  and  under  the  water,  from 
which  they  apparently  had  not  that  difficulty  in  rising  observable  in 
the  Albatrosses.  Though  their  power  of  swimming  seemed  rather 
feeble,  they  alighted  in  the  water  without  hesitation.  The  dead  body 
of  one  of  their  companions  being  thrown  overboard,  they  clustered 
around  it  with  as  much  avidity  as  around  any  other  food. 

"  The  specimens  obtained  agree  generally  in  color  of  plumage,  being 
nearly  a  uniform  pale  gray,  with  the  abdomen  paler  and  sometimes 
nearly  white,  and  with  generally  a  lighter  bar  across  the  wing,  shown 
when  expanded.     Uttered  a  faint  note  when  taken  on  board." 

The  Prince  Bonaparte  regards  this  bird  as  generically  distinct  from 
the  preceding.  In  his  Monograph,  in  Conspectus  Avium,  II,  p.  194, 
it  is  arranged  in  the  genus  OceiJiodroma,  Reiohenbach,  with  Thalas- 
sidroma  Horuhyi,  Gray.  It  is  exceedingly  Uke  the  dark-colored  species, 
well  known  as  belonging  to  this  group,  in  forui  and  other  general  cha- 
racters, but  differs  materially  in  colov. 

Mr.  Peale  inserts  the  following  under  the  head  of  t'lis  species  : 

"  We  observed  this  species  in  numbers  on  the  Northwest  Coast  ''f 
America,  as  far  north  as  visited  by  the  Expedition,  but  not  farther 
south  than  the  thirty-eighth  degree  of  latitude.  Our  specimens  were 
obtained  on  the  coast  of  Oregon. 

"  On  reference  to  notes  on  this  genus,  made  while  in  the  Southern 
Hemisphere,  we  find  that  in  the  month  of  March,  in  latitude  62°  S., 
longitude  77°  W.  of  Greenwich,  the  following  entry  was  made  :  A 
very  pretty  species  of  Fotrel  has  been  following  us  for  some  days ;  its 
voice,  sizt   and  habits  are  the  same  as  Wilson's  {IVialassUhoma  Wil- 


NATATORES. 


407 


aonii),  but  it  is  white  beneath,  from  the  breast  down  ;  the  under  parts 
of  the  wings  are  white,  with  a  dark  bar  in  the  middle,  about  the  bill 
(the  bill  itself?),  red;  breast  black.  Another  species,  about  the  same 
size,  is  of  a  pale  lead-color  above,  with  a  dark-colored  bar  on  the  wings, 
all  white  beneath.  Its  actions  are  more  sprightly  and  swallow-like  ; 
it  flies  around  the  ship,  but  does  not  so  constantly  follow  the  wake  as 
the  others. 

"  We  were  not  so  fortunate  as  to  obtain  specimens  of  either  of  the 
last-noticed  species,  both  of  which  are  probably  undescribed  analogues 
of  the  northern  Thalasaidromce.  The  first  differs  from  T.  oceanica  in 
having  a  red  bill,  and  the  latter  from  T./wcata  in  being  white,  instead 
of  lead-color  beneath.  T.  cceanica,  or  a  species  bearing  a  strong  resem- 
blance to  it,  was  seen  in  various  parts  of  the  temperate  regions  of  the 
Pacific  and  Indian  Oceans,  but  we  did  not  succeed  in  obtaining  speci- 
mens." 

The  observations  made  by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition  on  this 
handsome  li'tle  sea-bird,  are  of  especial  interest,  being  amongst  the 
first  notices  that  have  ever  been  published  of  a  species  now  undoubt- 
edly to  be  regarded  as  belonging  to  the  Ornithological  Fauna  of  the 
United  States.  Specimens  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  are  in 
good  plumage  and  preservation. 


9.  Genus  PROCELLARIA,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  212  (176C). 
1.  Procellaria  GiGANTEA,  Gmelin. — The  Giant  Petrel. 


P'jccllaria  git/an(ea,  6m.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  563  (1788). 

Lath.  Syn.  Plate  C ;  Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VII,  Plate  XLV. 

This  large  species  was  frequently  observed  during  the  voyage  of 
the  Expedition,  and  is  entitled  to  be  regarded  as  a  bird  of  North  Ame- 
rica, specimens  in  the  collection  having  been  obtained  on  the  coast  of 
Oregon.  Much  larger  than  its  immediate  relatives  in  this  group,  it 
more  resembles  the  Albatrosses  in  size  and  great  powers  of  flight, 
though  appa'-ently  presenting  little  variation  from  the  manners  and 
habits  of  the  ?raaller  congeneric  species. 

This  bird  is  frequently  mentioned  by  Dr.  Pickering,  from  whose 
Journal  we  transcribe  the  following  : 


408 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


"  February  13th,  1839.  A  specimen  of  the  large  Petrel  taken  this 
morning.  This  bird  we  have  seen  occasionally  since  the  15th  of  Janu- 
ary, when  we  were  in  latitude  39°,  in  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  and  at  first 
it  was  mistaken  for  an  Albatross.  Size  as  large  as  a  Goose ;  total 
length  two  feet,  five  inches  ;  expanse  of  wings  six  feet ;  tail  rounded, 
and  consisting  of  sixteen  feathers ;  iris  lake-brown. 

"  This  bird  could  run  or  stand  for  a  few  moments  without  expand- 
ing its  wings,  but  was  apparently  very  soon  fatigued  with  such  exer- 
tion, and  almost  immediately  assumed  a  sitting  position  like  Thalaaai- 
drama.  Its  wings  were  long  and  rather  narrow,  as  in  the  Albatrosses, 
and  in  flight  kept  almost  in  a  straight  line,  at  right  angles  from  the 
body.  Its  flight  id  chiefly  sailing,  and  with  great  rapidity  and  appa- 
rent ease,  though  long  continued.  This  bird  was  called  a  '  Molly 
Mock,'  by  the  seamen,  some  of  whom  recognized  it  as  an  old  acquain- 
tance.    It  is  frequently  seen  alighting  and  resting  on  the  water." 

Excellent  specimens  of  this  interesting  species  are  in  the  oollectioi 
of  the  Expedition.    This  bird  forms  the  genus  Oasi/raga,  Hombron  & 
Jacquemont,  which  is  adopted  by  the  Prince  Bonaparte,  in  liis  Mono- 
graph of  this  group,  in  Conspectus  Avium,  II,  p.  186. 


2.  Procellaria     iciFiCA,  Audubon, 


ProceVaria  pacifica,  AuD.  Oru.  Biog.  V,  p.  881  (1839). 


pi 


Specimens  from  the  coast  of  Oregon,  though,  in  general  appearance, 
resembling  Procellaria  glacialis,  are  certainly  distinct,  as  dt.cribed  by 
Mr.  Audubon. 

Young  birds  of  this  species,  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  and 
in  the  Museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  are  uniformly  of  a 
datker  cinereous  than  in  the  young  plumage  of  P.  ghicialia,  and  there 
is  no  vestige  of  the  dark  or  nearly  black  spot  before  the  eye,  which  is 
a  character  of  the  latter.  The  bill,  us  stated  by  Mr.  Audubon,  is  much 
smaller  and  more  compressed. 

Under  date  of  29th  of  April,  1841,  on  the  coast  of  Orp"' '  we  find 
this  bird  mentioned  in  the  Journal  of  Dr.  Pickering  : 

"  Several  specimens  of  a  Procellaria,  resembling  P.  glacialis,  were 
to-day  taken  with  a  hook  and  line.  The  plumage  is  ashy,  somewhat 
mottled,  and  they  are  perhaps  all  young  birds.     One  set  at  liberty  on 


NATATORES. 


409 


deck  was  quite  unable  to  ri.o  from  it,  and  was  destitute  of  the  power 
of  standing,  though  it  could  run  with  the  aid  of  its  wings. 

"  In  alighting  in  the  water,  these  birds  take  the  same  care  in  folding 
and  adjusting  their  wings,  vithcat  wetting  them,  as  the  Albatrosses. 
One  was  observed  to  seize  a  Tlmlaasidrama  violently,  and  to  hold  it 
under  the  water,  as  if  for  the  purpose  of  drowning  it,  but  whether  the 
attempt  succeeded  or  not  was  not  noticed.  On  the  other  hand,  the 
small  Petrels  do  not  appear  to  be  afraid  of  this  species." 

Specimens,  in  various  stages  of  plumage,  are  in  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition. 


3.  Procellaria  tenuirostris,  Audubon. 

Procellaria  tenutroilris,  AuD.  Orn.  Biog.  V,  p.  333  (1839). 

Pvocellaria  glacialoides,  A.  Smith,  111.  S.  Af.  Zool.  Aves  (not  paged,  1849). 


Smith,  Zool.  S.  Af.  Aves,  Plate  LI. 


This  species,  like  the  preceding,  is  related  to  and  resembles,  in  gene- 
ral characters  and  appearance,  the  Procellaria  gladalis.  It  may,  how- 
ever, be  readily  distinguished  from  either  that  species  or  P.paci/tca  by 
its  lengthened  and  more  slender  bill,  and  all  the  specimens  that  we 
have  seen  are  lighter  in  color. 

The  name  applied  to  this  species  by  Mr.  Audubon,  as  above  cited, 
is  entitled  to  be  adopted  as  prior  to  that  given  by  Dr.  Smith,  though 
the  exact  date  of  the  latter  we  cannot,  at  present,  ascertain.  The 
title-page  of  the  volume  or  TMvds  of  Dr.  Smith's  Illustrations  of  the 
Zoology  of  South  Africa,  gives  1849  as  the  date  of  publication,  but  it 
is  within  the  knowledge  of  all  naturalists,  that  this  very  valuable 
work  was  published  in  parts,  with  the  date  on  the  cover  only.  In 
the  copy  to  which  we  have  access,  which  is  bound  and  the  covers 
destroyed,  there  is  no  means  of  ascertaining  the  precise  date  of  publica- 
tion of  any  particular  plate  or  description.  It  is,  however,  not  pro- 
bable that  Plate  LI,  which  is  of  the  bird  now  before  us,  or  the  text 
accompanying  it,  was  published  as  early  as  1839,  which  is  the  date 
of  Mr.  Audubon's  description  of  P.  tenuirostris. 

This  species  is  one  which  has  a  most  extensive  range  of  locality, 
being  known  to  frequent  the  coasts  of  the  southern  points  of  both  of 

103 


410 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


the  great  divisions  of  the  globe,  and  those  of  Australia,  and  many 
other  localities  in  the  Pacific  Ocean.  To  American  naturalists  it  is 
especially  interesting,  from  the  fact  that  it  was  observed  by  Dr.  Town- 
send,  on  the  coast  of  Oregon,  whose  specimens  were  described  by  Mr. 
Audubon,  as  above. 

The  only  specimen  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition  is  labelled 
as  having  been  obtained  on  the  coast  of  Orepron. 


4.  Procellaria  molus,  Gould. 

Procellaria  mollis,  Gould,  Anu.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.  XIII,  p.  363  (1844). 
Ptocellaria  g-dl'     '<,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  299  (first  ed.  1848).* 


Gould,  B.  of  Au        II,  Plate  L. 


■I 


1 .. 


We  find  in  the  collection  a  single  specimen  in  immature  plumage, 
and  which  is  quite  identical  with  the  young  of  P.  mollis,  of  which 
numerous  specimens,  including  those  of  Mr.  Gould,  are  in  the  Museum 
of  the  Philadelphia  Academy.  The  present  specimen  appears  to  have 
been  obtained  further  south  than  this  species  had  been  previously 
noticed.  y 

Mr.  Peale  mentions  it  as  follows  : 

'^  This  bird  was  found  amidst  icebergs,  bu£feting  the  storms  and 
fogs  of  the  Antarctic  regions.  We  saw  but  few  of  them,  and  obtained 
but  a  single  specimen,  on  the  21st  of  March,  while  the  Ship  Peacock 
was  enveloped  in  a  fog,  latitude  68°  S.,  longitude  95°  W.  of  Green- 
wich. Their  flight  was  easy  and  not  very  rapid.  They  were  silent, 
and  alighted  on  the  water  to  examine  some  slips  of  paper  and  chips 
purposely  thrown  from  the  boat." 

♦"Color  above  cinereous-brown;  tail  and  breast  plumbeous;  throat,  under  wing- 
coverts,  and  under  tail-coverts,  white ;  primaries  and  spurious  wings  nearly  black,  with 
brown  shafts ;  tail  light  beneath ;  the  two  outer  feathers  mottled  with  white ;  all  the 
sh«fts  brown  above,  and  white  beneath ;  the  whole  plumage  white  at  the  roots ;  bill 
blue-black,  much  curved,  very  sharp-pointed,  and  much  compressed  near  the  tip ;  first 
(juill  longest. 

"  Total  length  thirteen  inches ;  extent  of  wings  thirty-four  inches ;  wing,  from  the 
carpal  joint,  ten  and  a  half  inches ;  bill  one  inch ;  nasal  tubes  three-fifths  of  an  inch  ; 
tarsi  one  and  one-fifth  inches  ;  outer  too  one  and  six-tenths  inches ;  tail  three  and  four- 
tenths  inches ;  outer  feathers  two  and  seven-tenths  inches.     Male."     Peale,  as  above. 


l\ 


NAT  AT  ORES. 


411 


5.  Procellakia  parvibostbis,  Pxtle. 

Procellaria  parviroitrU,  PealEj  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  298  (1848). 

Plate  XL.      . 

Capite,  collo,  corporeqtie  supra,  fuliginosis,  ahdomine  crissoque  albis. 
datura  P.  moUia.    Long.  tot.  12  pollicea. 

Form. — About  the  size  of  Procellaria  mdllie,  Gould,  and  resembling 
that  species  in  form,  but  not  in  color.  Bill  rather  slender ;  wing 
long,  reaching  beyond  the  end  of  the  tail ;  first  quill  longest ;  tail 
moderate,  cuneate ;  legs  rather  slender ;  toes  long,  fully  webbed. 

Dimensions. — Total  length,  male  (of  skin),  about  twelve  inches ; 
wing  eleven  inches ;  tail  four  and  a  hnlf  inches.  "  Total  length  four- 
teen and  a  half  inches ;  extent  of  wings  thirty-six  inches."     (Feale.) 

CoLOBS. — Head,  neck,  and  entire  upper  parts,  dark  fuliginous,  lighter 
on  the  neck  before.  Abdomen  and  under  coverts  of  the  tail  white ; 
sides  and  flanks  with  some  dashes  of  fuliginous ;  quills  and  tail  dark 
fuliginous;  the  former  nearly  black.  Feathers  on  the  throat  and 
neck  in  front  white  at  base.  Bill  black ;  "  irides  dark  brown ;  feet 
bluish  flesh-color ;  the  toes  all  black  from  the  first  joint."     (Peale.) 


Hab. — Pacific  Ocean. 
Washington. 


Honden  Island.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus. 


This  species,  which  we  have  not  been  able  to  identify  with  any 
other  that  we  have  found  described,  very  considerably  resembles  Pro- 
cellaria mollis,  Gould,  in  size,  and  all  other  characters  derived  from 
form  and  organization,  but  is  totally  different  in  color  from  any  speci- 
men of  that  species  that  we  have  seen.  The  colors  of  the  legs  and 
feet  are,  however,  in  prepared  specimens,  precisely  similar.  For  the 
reasons  here  indicated,  it  is  not  without  doubt  that  we  give  this  bird 
as  a  species. 

Mr.  Peale  states  that  this  species  "  breeds  on  the  Coral  Islands. 
Our  specimen  was  killed  near  Honden  Island,  of  the  Dangerous  Archi- 


412 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


pelago,  on  the  20th  of  August.     Its  flight  was  rapid,  and  its  general 
appearance  and  actions,  when  flying,  is  like  a  Leatris." 
One  specimen  only  is  in  the  collection. 


6.  Procellaria  rostrata,  Bsale.    - 

Proeellaria  rottrata,  Pxale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  296  (Ut  ed.  1848). 

Plate  XLI.        .       /^ 

Capite,  collo,  corporeqm  supra,  fuUginoaiaf  abdomine  crissoque  albis, 
rostro  magno,  valido.     Statura  P.  Leasonii.     Long.  tot.  14  pollicea. 

Form. — About  the  size  of,  and  of  general  form  of  Procellaria  Leasonii, 
Gamot,  but  not  of  the  same  color.  Bill  large,  strong;  wings 
long,  reaching,  when  closed,  beyond  the  end  of  the  tail ;  first  quill 
longest.  Tail  moderate,  graduated,  or  cuneate;  tarsi  moderate; 
toes  long,  fully  webbed. 

Dimensions. — Total  length,  mule  (of  skin),  about  fouiteen  inches ; 
wing  eleven  inches ;  tail  four  and  a  half  inches.  "  Extent  of  wings 
thirty-nine  and  a  half  inches."     (Peale.) 

Coi/)RS. — Head,  nook,  and  entire  upper  parts,  fuliginous,  light  on 
the  throat  and  neck  before,  dark  on  the  back  and  head  above.  Abdo- 
men and  under  tail-coverts  white.  Wings  and  tail  dark  fuliginous ; 
the  former  nearly  black ;  bill  black ;  tarsi,  and  bare  of  inner  toes,  and 
membrane,  pale  yellow  (in  preserved  specimen) ;  terminal  two-thirds 
of  toes  and  membrane  black. 

Hab. — Tahiti.     Specimen  in  Nat.  Mus.  Washington. 

As  with  the  preceding  species,  we  are  mystified  somewhat  with  the 
present.  It  is  exceedingly  like  Procellaria  Leasonii  in  all  respects, 
except  color  of  plumage — that  character  (color)  being  the  same 
though  in  the  legs  and  feet. 

Our  examination  of  the  two  species  of  Procellaria,  now  given  under 
the  names  first  applied  to  them  by  Mr.  Peale,  has  led  us  to  suspect 


NATATORES. 


418 


that  these  and  other  species  of  this  genus  undergo  very  material 
changes  in  the  colors  of  their  plumage,  according,  in  all  probability, 
to  season.  "We  cannot,  however,  at  present,  give  a  precise  or  satis- 
factory account  of  this  supposed  change  in  any  one  species,  and  we 
have  not,  therefore,  ventured  to  give  the  two  birds  now  before  us 
otherwise  than  as  distinct  species.  The  birds  of  this  genus,  in  our 
opinion,  require  careful  observation  in  their  native  localities,  or  inves- 
tigation in  such  extended  series  of  specimens  as  can  be  attained  only 
in  time  and  with  special  attention. 

Under  the  head  of  the  present  species,  Mr.  Peale  has  the  following 
observations : 

"  At  the  Island  of  Tahiti,  on  mountains  elevated  about  six  thousand 
feet  above  the  sea,  this  bird  was  found  breeding  in  holes,  in  the  month 
of  October.  It  is  decidedly  nocturnal  in  its  habits,  a  few  only  being 
now  and  then  seen  abroad  in  daylight.  They  sally  forth  from  their 
subterranean  abodes  about  sunset  to  collect  food  for  their  young  far 
away  at  sea,  being  rarely  found  on  the  coast. 

"  The  specimen  from  which  our  drawing  and  description  were  taken 
was  procured  by  Mr.  Dana,  while  on  a  most  perilous  excursion  to  the 
summits  of  the  volcanic  peaks  of  the  island.  The  natives  who  carried 
it,  finding  its  bite  too  severe,  submitted  it  to  a  most  cruel  remedy,  often 
practised  by  the  island  bird-catchers,  which  is,  to  thrust  the  sharp  point 
of  the  upper  mandible  through  the  lower,  thus  yoking  it  with  its  own 
jaw.     In  this  state,  it  was  kept  until  the  party  reached  the  coast. 

'*  On  the  tops  of  the  same  mountains,  we  saw  a  small  species  of 
Petrel,  resembling  Thalassidroma  oceanica,  Bonaparte,  Zool.  Journal, 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  89,  but  rather  larger,  with  all  the  under  parts  white.  It 
appeared  to  have  its  nest  there,  though  we  did  not  succeed  in  finding 
any,  nor  in  obtaining  specimens  of  the  birds  which  were  flying  around 
us,  and  when  shot  fell  into  the  dense  forests,  thousands  of  feet  below 
us. 

"  The  background  in  the  drawing,  is  from  a  sketch  taken  at  the 
only  native  settlement  that  we  found  in  the  interior,  and  represents 
the  peaks  in. which  are  the  breeding-places  of  this  and  other  oceanic 
birds,  high  up  on  the  River  Popino." 

A  single  specimen  only  of  this  species  is  in  the  collection  of  the 
Expedition.  It  is,  apparently,  in  mature  plumage,  and  is  in  good 
condition.  It  is  represented  in  our  plate  rather  smaller  than  the 
natural  size. 

104 


414 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


7.  Procellaria  Cookii,  Gray.  .  . 

Procellaria  Cookii,  G.  R.  Gray,  Dieff.  Trav.  II,  p.  199  (1843). 

Procellaria  kucoplera,  QouLD,  Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.  XIII,  p.  364  (1844). 

Procellaria  brevipes,  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  294  (first  ed.  1848).* 

Voy.  Erebus  &  Terror,  Birds,  Plate  XXXV  ;  Gould,  B.  of  Aust. 
VII,  Plate  LI. 

"  Irides  brown  ;  bill  black ;  feet  pale  flesh-color ;  the  toes  black  at 
their  ends.  Extent  of  wings  twenty-four  and  one-fourth  inches." 
(Peale.) 

The  specimens  of  this  bird,  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition,  are 
from  a  much  more  eastern  locality  than  heretofore  noticed,  as  will 
appear  from  the  following  note  by  Mr.  Peale  : 

"  Two  specimens  were  shot  on  the  21st  of  March,  in  latitude  68°  S., 
longitude  95°  W.  Their  flight  was  very  swift,  wild,  and  irregular, 
and  they  evinced  no  partiality  for  the  vicinity  of  the  ship,  although 
she  was  lying-to  in  a  dense  fog,  a  time  when  Petrels  generally  collected 
around  us  to  glean  the  offal  thrown  overboard." 

The  locality  here  given  is  much  ne&rer  the  continent  of  America 
than  this  bird  has  ever  before  been  noticed  by  voyagers.  We  find  the 
two  specimens,  above  alluded  to,  in  the  collection  of  the  Expedition, 
and,  on  comparison  with  others  from  Mr.  Gould's  collection,  now  in 
the  Museum  of  the  Philadelphia  Academy,  can  distinguish  them  by 
no  character  whatever. 


*  "  Head  and  wings  sooty-black  ;  back  and  tail  gray;  throat,  breast,  and  belly,  white, 
tinged  with  salmon-color  when  living,  but  changing  to  white  after  death  ;  an  interrupted 
plumbeous  band  crosses  the  breast ;  two  outer  tail-feathers  light  gray,  white  beneath, 
shafts  white ;  all  the  others  brown  ;  under  wing-eoverts  white ;  the  lesser  ones  nearly 
black  ;  bill  black  ;  feet  pale  flesh-color ;  the  toes  black  at  their  ends ;  irides  brown. 

"Total  length  ten  and  seven-tenths  inches;  extent  of  wings  twenty-four  and  one- 
fourth  inches ;  bill,  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  one  and  four-tenths  inches ;  over  the 
culraen  nineteen-twenticths  of  an  inch ;  middle  toe,  including  the  nail,  one  and  three- 
tenths  inches." 


N  A  T  A  T  0  H  E  S. 


415 


8.  Pbocellaria  nivea,  Qmelin. — The  Snowy  Petrel. 

Procellaria  nivea,  Gm.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  662  (1788)  ? 

"  Procellaria  Candida,  Peale,  MSS."  Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  295  (1848). 

Voy.  Erebus  and  Terror,  Birds,  Plate  XXXIV. 
Atlas,  Ornithology,  Plate  XLII.    Adult, 

"  IrMes  brown  ;  feet  bluish  flesh-color.  Total  length  fourteen  and 
one-tenth  inches ;  extent  of  wings  thirty  inches."     (Peale.) 

The  Snowy  Petrel  appears  to  be  one  of  the  most  abundant  species 
frequenting  the  highest  southern  latitudes  yet  visited  by  voyagers.  In 
those  regions,  in  which  the  present  Expedition,  in  the  Vincennes  and 
Peacock,  made  the  extraordinary  and  most  important  discovery  of  a 
Polar  Continent,  this  bird  is  one  which  presents  the  snowy  whiteness 
of  plumage  known  to  prevail  in  animals  whose  peculiar  habitat  is  the 
polar  regions  of  the  North. 

Of  the  Zoology  of  the  Antarctic  continent  very  little  is  known ;  but, 
there  is  no  reason  why  it  should  not  be  inhabited  by  a  peculiar  Fauna, 
analogous  to,  biit  probably  very  different  from,  that  of  its  antipodep  of 
the  North.  No  Bear,  nor  Walrus — no  Snowy  Owl,  nor  Arctic  Fox,  has 
yet  been  discovered,  but,  in  the  absence  of  investigation,  an  analogous 
Fauna  may  perhaps  be  safely  supposed  to  exist.  Of  this  especially 
Polar  Fauna,  the  bird  now  before  us  possesses  the  high  interest  of 
being,  as  yet,  the  only  known  species  of  the  Antarctic  regions. 

Mr.  Peale's  observations  on  the  present  bird  are  as  follows : 

"  It  inhabits  the  Ant.arctic  regions.  The  specimens  were  obtained 
in  latitude  64°  S.,  and  about  104°  W.  of  Greenwich.  We  saw  them 
only  in  the  vicinity  of  ice,  and  whatever  was  thrown  overboard  from 
the  ship  they  flew  around  to  pick  up,  like  ihe  Cape  Pigeons  {Procel- 
laria capensis),  but  they  were  not  so  easily  caught  with  a  hook  and 
line.  A  number  of  specimens  were  preserved,  and  all  are  of  the  same 
unspotted  white,  without  any  indication  of  black  shafts  to  the  feathers, 
which,  having  been  given  by  Dr.  Latham  as  a  characteristic  of  the 
Snowy  Petrel  obtained  by  Captain  Cook,  we  were  induced,  from  this 
and  some  minor  differences,  to  consider  the  present  as  a  distinct 
species,  until  the  excellent  plate  representing  it  was  published  in  the 
Zoological  Atlas  of  the  Voyage  of  H.  M.  Ships  Erebus  and  Terror." 


416 


ORNITHOLOGY. 


Not  entirely  uatisfied  that  this  is  the  species  meant  by  Gmelin  and 
Latham,  we  give  it  provisionally  only  as  Procellarla  nivea,  but  should 
another  white  species,  with  the  shafts  of  any  of  its  feathers  black,  as 
described  by  those  distinguished  authors,  become  known,,  this  name 
must  give  place  to  that  of  Mr.  Peale,  above  cited. 

Our  plate  represents  this  bird  rather  smaller  than  the  size  of  life. 


9.  Procellaria  capensis,  Linnaeus. 

■ 

Procellaria  capentii,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  I,  p.  218  (1766). 

Buflfon,  PI.  Enl.  964 ;  Gould,  B.  of  Aust.  VII,  Plate  LIII. 

Of  this  well-known  bird  we  find  numerous  specimens  in  the  collec- 
tion of  the  Expedition,  and  it  is  frequently  mentioned  in  the  Journal 
of  Dr.  Pickering.  These  specimens  present  no  characters  other  than 
have  long  been  known  to  naturalists. 

The  first  notice  of  this  species,  by  Dr.  Pickering,  is  on  the  19th  day 
of  January,  1839,  in  latitude  39°  S.,  in  the  Atlantic  Ocean.  Subse* 
quently,  it  is  mentioned  by  him  at  various  points,  and,  for  the  last 
time,  on  the  14th  day  of  July,  in  the  same  year,  on  the  western  coast 
of  South  America,  the  day  after  sailing  from  the  harbor  of  Callao,  in 
about  12°  S.  latitude. 


CATALOGUES 


0» 


MAMMALS    AND    BIRDS 


l.'ULLECTED  UT  THE 


UNITED  STATES  EXPLORING  EXPEDITION. 


103 


PRELIMINARY  NOTE. 


The  succeeding  Catalogues  include  all  the  species  of  which  speci- 
mens are  in  the  Collection,  with  the  localities  given,  as  determined 
by  the  naturalists  of  the  Expedition,  and  generally  stated  by  them 
in  labels  attached  during  the  voyage.  In  some  instances,  however,  it 
is  quite  impossible  to  give  the  exact  locality,  specimens  having  been 
obtained  from  naturalists,  or  from  dealers  or  other  persons,  at  places 
evidently  not  the  habitat  of  the  species.  In  such  cases  I  have  in- 
closed the  locality  in  parentheses. 

J.  C. 


MAMMALS. 


109 


CATALOGUE  OF  MAMMALS 


IN'  THE 


COLLECTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  EXPLORING  EXPEDITION. 


i» 


L  Class  MAMMALIA. 

'  ^'  I.  ORb£R  QUADRUMANA, 

1.  Myoetes  ursinus.    (Humboldt.)    Brazil. 

2.  Galeopithecus  volans.    (Linnaeus.)    (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

3.  Pteropus  chrysoproctus.     Teinminck.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

4.  Pteropus  Maeklotii.    Temniinck.    Sooloo  Islands. 

Pteropus  vociferus.     Peale. 

5.  Pteropus  samoensis.     Peale.     Samoan  Islands. 

6.  Pteropus  tonganus.     Quoy  and  G       inl.     Tongatabu. 

7.  Pteropus  Kerandrenius.     Quoy  ai...  i ,  mard.     Feejee  Islands. 

8.  Alolossus  aurispinosus.     f  Peale.)    Biu/.il. 

Molossus  rugosus.    D'Orbigny  ? 

9.  Vespertilio  californicus.     Audubon  and  Bachnmn.     ralifornia, 
10.  Vespertilio  semicaudatus.     Peale.    8amoan  Islands. 


II.  Orper  ferae. 


11.  Lupus  gigas.     Tovrnsend.     Oregon. 

12.  Lupus  ochropus.     (Eschscholtz.)    Oregon. 

13.  Vulpos  virginianus.     (Schreber.)    Oregon. 

14.  Vulpes  magellanicus.     (Gray.)    Tierra  del  Fuego. 

15.  Vulpes  Azarae.     (De  Weid.)    Chili. 

16.  Martes  flavigula.  '  (Boddaert.)     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

17.  Paguma  leucomystax.     (Gray)?     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

18.  Putorius  Cycognanii.     Bonaparte.    Oregon. 

19.  Putorius  pusillus.     (Aud.  and  Bach.)    Oregon. 


424 


CATALOGUE    OF    MAMMALS. 


20.  Mephitis  occidentalis.     Baird.     Oregon. 

21.  Ursus  horribilJB.     Ord.     Californ;a^  \ 

22.  Procyon  Hernandezii.     Wagler.     California. 

23.  Tiiylamys  elegans.     (Waterhouse.)     Chili. 

24.  Daoyurus  maculatus.     (Shaw.)    Australia. 

25.  Dasyurus  viverrinus.     (Shaw.)    Australia. 

26.  Phascogale  penicillata.     (Shaw.)    Australiu. 

27.  Gymnura  Rafflesii.    Lesson.     (Obtained  it  Singapore.) 

28.  Scalops  Townsendii.    Bachnian.     Oregon. 

29.  Scalops  aeneus.     Cassin.    Oregon. 

80.  Clirysochloris  villosa.     A.  Smith.     South  Africa. 

31.  Lcbodon  carcinophaga.     (Homb.  and  Jacq.)    Deception  Island. 

Halichoerus  antarcticus.     Peale. 
82.  Stenorhynchus  leptonyx.     (F.  Cuvier.)    Antaredo  loe. 


III.  Order  CETACEA. 


83.  Delphinus  albimanus. 

84.  Delphinus  pectoralis. 


Peale.     Coast  of  Chili. 
(Peale.)    Coast  of  Hawaii. 


IV.  Order  UNGULATA. 

86.  Dicotyles  kbiatus.    Cuvier.     Brazil. 

36.  Dasypus  minutus.     Desniarest.     Patagonia. 

37.  Orycteropus  capensis.     (Linnaeus.)    Ciipe  of  Good  Hope. 

38.  Tatuandua  tetradactyla.     Lesson.     Brazil. 

39.  Echidna  Hystrix.     Cuvier.     Australia. 

40.  Ornithorhynchus  anatinus.     (Shaw.)     Australia. 

41.  Bos  taurus.     Linnaeus.     Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

42.  Cervus  amcricanus.     (Jefferson.)     Oregon. 

43.  Cervus  Lewisii.     Peale.     Oregon. 

44.  Cervus  cauipestris.     F.  Cuvier.     Patagonia. 

45.  Cephalophorus  coeruleus.     H.  Smith.     Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

46.  Tragelaphus  sylvaticus.     Sparniian.     Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

47.  Antilocapra  ainericana.     Ord.     Oregon. 

48.  Tragulus  javanieus.     Pallas,     ((ibtuined  :it  Malacca.) 

49.  Auchenio  glania.     (Linnucus.)    Peru        * 


V.  Order  GLIHES. 


50.  Sciurus  fossor.     Peale.     Oregon. 

51.  Sciurus  vittatus.     Kaffiesi     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

52.  Sciurus  i'ffinis.     liaffles?     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 


53. 
54. 
55. 
66. 
57. 
58. 
59. 
60. 
61. 

62. 
63. 
64. 
65. 
66. 
67. 
68. 
69. 
70. 
71. 
72. 
73. 
74. 
75. 


CATALOGUE    OP    MAMMALS. 

Sciurus  Douglassii.    Bachman.     Oregon, 
Tamiaa  quadrivittatus.     Richardson.    Oregon. 
Tamias  Townsendii.     Bachman.     Oregon. 
Aplodontia  leporina.    Richardson.    Oregon. 
Hesperomys  Gambelii.     Biird  ?    California. 
Perognathus  parvus.     (Peale.)    Oregon. 
Society  Islands. 
Feejte  Islands. 
Tschud..     Peru. 
Peale. 

Cooper.     Oregon. 
Chili. 


425 


Mus  exulans.     Peale. 
Mus  vitiensis.     Peale. 
Drymomys  parrulus. 
Mus  peruvianus. 
Neotoma  occidentalis. 
Octodon  Cumingii.    Bennet. 
Arvicola  occidentalis.     Peale,     Oregon. 
Arvicola  caliibrnicus.    Peale,     California, 
Arvicola  oregonus.     Bachman.     Oregon, 
Lepus  campestris.    Bachman.     Oregon. 
Lepus  Washingtonii,     Baird.     Oregon. 
Lepus  artemisia.    Bachman.    Oregon, 
Dolichotis  patachonicus.     Desmarest.     Patagonia. 
Petrogale  penicillata,     (Gray.)    Australia. 
Phalangista  vulpina,     (Shaw.)    Australia, 
Petauius  Sciureus.     (Shaw.)    Australi.i. 
Petaurus  australis,     (Shaw.)    Australia. 
Petaurista  taguanoides.     (Desmaregt.)    Australia. 


107 


J--y--l,- 


IL 


BIRDS. 


CATALOGUE  OF  BIRDS 


IK  THE 


COLLECTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  EXPLORING  EXPEDITION. 


II.  Class  AVES. 
I.  Order  RAPTORES. 

1.  Cathartes  aura.    (Linnaeus.)    Oregon. 

2.  Cathartes  jota.     (Molina.)    Tierra  del  Fuego. 

3.  Polyborus  tharus.     (Molina.)    Patagonia. 

4.  Polyborus  australis.     (Graelin.)    Patagonia. 

5.  Milvago  chimango.     (Vieillot.)     Patagonia. 

6.  Milvago  chimachina.    (Vieillot.)    Brazil. 

7.  Buteo  varius.     Gould.    Patagonia. 

8.  Buteo  ventralis.     Gould.    Patagonia. 

9.  Buteo  montanus.     Nuttall.     Oregon. 

10.  Asturina  insectivora.    (Spix.)    Brazil. 

11.  Asturina  leucorrhoa.     (Quoy  and  Gaimard.)    Brazil? 

12.  Haliastur  inda.     (Boddaert.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

13.  Haliaetus  leucocephalus.     (Linnaeus.)    Oregon. 

14.  Pandion  caroiineusis.     (Gmelin.)    Oregon. 

15.  Pandion  solitarius.     (Peale.)    Sandwich  Islands. 

Buteo  solitarius.     Peale. 

16.  Elanus  axillaris.     (Lathaiu.)    Aastralia. 

17.  Milvus  sphenurus.     Vieillot.     Australia. 

18.  Circus  hudsonius.     (Linnaeus.)    Oregon. 

19.  Circus  assimilis.    Jardine  and  Selby.     Feejee  Islands. 

Circus  approximans.     Peale. 

20.  Circus  Jardinei.     Gould.    Australia. 

21.  Astur  cruentus.     Gould.     Australia.  i 

Astur  ferox.    Peale.* 


*  This  name  is  given  by  Mr.  Peale,  in  his  Catalogue,  p.  308,  without  a  description,  and  specimens 
in  the  collection  are  so  labelled  by  him. 

108 


430 


CATALOGUE    OF    BIRDS. 


22.  Astur  approximans.     (Vigors  and  Horefiold.)    Australia. 

23.  Astur  novao-hollandiae.     (Gnielin.)    Australia. 

24.  Accipiter  rufitorques.     (Pcnlo.)    8ainoan  Islands. 

25.  Accipiter  badius.     (Gniolin.)     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

Astur  bifasciatus.     Peale.* 

26.  Falco  polyagrus.     Gassin.     Oregon. 

27.  Falco  frontatus.     Gould.     Australia. 

"  Falco  poregrinoides  ?"     Peale. 

28.  Falco  novae-zealandiao.     Gmelin.    New  Zealand. 

Falco  ferox.     Peale. 

29.  Jorax  coerulescens.     (Linnaeus.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

30.  Tinnunculus  sparvcrius.     (Linnaeus.)     Oregon. 

31.  Tinnunculus  cenchroides.     (Vig-  and  Horsf.)     Australia. 

32.  Strix  pratincola.     Bonaparte.     Oregon. 

33.  Strix  perlata.     Licbtenstein.     Brazil. 

34.  Strix  delicatula.     Gould.     Samoan  Islands. 

Strix  lulu.     Peale. 

35.  Brachyotus  galapagoensis.     Gould.     Sandwich  Islands. 

36.  Ketupa  javanensis.     Lesson.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

37.  Scops  sunia.     (Hodgson.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

88.  Ciccaba  melanonota.     (Tschudy.)    Brazil  ? 

89.  Syrnium  indranee.     (Sykcs.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

40.  Spiloglaux  boobook.     (Latham.)    Australia. 

41.  Spiloglaux  connivcns.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

42.  Athene  novae-zealandiae.     (Gmelin.)     New  Zealand. 

Noctua  venatica.     Peule. 
48.  Athene  cunicularia.     (Molina.)    Oregon.     Peru. 
Athene  patagonica.     Peale. 

44.  Athene  grallaria.     (Tcmminck.)    Peru. 

45.  Athene  ferruginea.     (De  Wied.)    Brazil. 

46.  Bubo  virglnianus.     (Gmelin.)     Oregon. 

47.  Bubo  orientalis.     (Uorsfield.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 


*  "  Back  sepia-brown  ;  head  darker,  with  a  wliite,  obscure  nuchal  spot  and  superciliary  line.  Wings 
.>epia-brown,  banded  with  umber ;  shaAs  brown ;  beneath  yellowish-white,  with  con8i)iuiious  brown 
bands;  tail  lighter  than  the  wings,  and  having  four  conspicuous  brown  bands,  the  two  outer  feathers 
with  double  the  number  (whence  our  name);  shafts,  between  the  bars,  white;  throat  and  breast  white, 
the  feathers  having  a  brown  line  along  the  centre  of  each ;  belly,  flanks,  and  thighs  white,  banded  with 
brown,  and  tinged  with  ferruginous;  under  tailcoverts  white;  bill  and  claws  dark  brown;  cere  and 
legs  dusky  yellow, 

"Total  length  twelve  and  seven-tenths  inches;  wings,  from  the  carpal  joint,  seven  and  seven-tenths 
mclies;  tail,  five  and  one-half  inches;  tarsi,  one  and  eight-tenths  inches;  middle  toe  including  the 
nail,  one  and  six-tenths  inches:  nail,  four-tenths  of  an  inch ;  hind  toe,  including  the  nail,  one  and  one- 
twentieth  inches;  nail  one-half  of  an  inch.''     Peale,  Zool.  Exp.  Kxp.  Birds,  p.  70. 


CATALOGUE    OF    BIRDS. 


431 


II.  Okdeb  INSESSORES. 

48.  Corvus  camivorus.     Bartram.     Oregon. 

49.  Corvua  americanus.     Audubon.     Oregon. 

50.  Corvus  coroneoidcs.    Vig.  and  Horef.     Australia. 

51.  Corvus  ruficoilis.     Lesson.     Madeira. 

Corvus  leptonyx.     Pealo. 

52.  Cyanocorax  Stclleri.     (Pallas.)    Oregon. 

63.  Cyanocorax  cyanopogon.    (Do  Wiod.)    Brazil. 

54.  Cyanocitta  californica.     (Vigors.)     Oregon. 

55.  Pyroderus  scutatus.     (Shaw.)     Brazil. 

56.  Barita  louconota.     (Gould.)     Australia. 

57.  Strepera  graculino.     (Shaw.)     Australia. 

58.  Strepera  anaphonensis.    Tcraminck.     Australia. 

Baryta  cinerea.     Peale.* 
69.  Gracula  roligiosa.     Linnaeus.     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

60.  Calornis  oorvina.     (Kittlitz.)     Sanioan  Islands. 

Lainprotornis  atrifusca.     Pealo. 

61.  Aplonis  margirmta.     Gould.     Samoan  Islands. 

Lauiprotornis  ?  fusca.     Peale.  ' 

62.  Aplonis  brevirostrjs.     (Peale.)     Sanioan  Islands. 

63.  Ptilonorhynchus  holosericeus.     Kuhl.     Australia. 

04.  Lamprocolius  chrysotis.    (Swainson.)    (Obtained  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.) 

65.  Scolecophagus  niger.     (Gnielin.)    Oregon. 

Gracula  ferruginea.     Wilson. 

66.  Scolecophagus  niexicanus.     Swainson.     California. 

Quiscalus  Breweri.     Audubon. 

67.  Agelaius  tricolor.     Audubon.     California. 

68.  Agelaius  gubernator.     Wagler.     California, 

69.  Agelaius  superciliaris.     Bonaparte,    Brazil. 

70.  Wolothrus  bonariensis.     (Omelin.)     Brazil. 

71.  Molothrus  scriceus.     (Lichtenstein.)     Brazil,  ' 

72.  Psaracolius  curaeus.     (Molina.)    Chili. 

73.  Amblyramphus  ruber.     (Gmelin.)    Brazil, 

74.  Chrysonius  flavus.     (Gmelin.)     Brazil. 

75.  Cassicus  haemorrhous.     (Linnaeus.)     Brazil. 

76.  Cassicus  uropygialis.     Lafresnaye.     Brazil.  • 

77.  Cassicus  cristatus.     (Gmelin.)     Brazil. 

78.  Sturnella  neglecta.     Audubon.     Oregon. 

79.  Sturnella  militaris.     (Linnaeus.)     Chili. 

80.  Sturnella  loyca.     (Molina.)     Peru. 

81.  Sturnella  Defillippii.     Bonaparte.     Brazil, 

82.  Oriolus  viridis.     (Latham.^     Australia.  \ 


*  This  name  is  given,  without  a  description,  in  Mr.  Pcale's  Catalogue,  p.  315. 


432 


CATALOGUE    OF    BIRDS. 


88.  Serioulus  mcllinus.     (Latham.)     Australia.  , 

84.  Cyanulozia  oyanca.     (Linnaeua.)     Brazil. 

85.  Sporophila  torrida.     (Qniolin.)     Brazil. 

86.  CarpodacuB  familioris.     MoCall.     Oregon. 

87.  Steganoplcuro  raficauda.     (Qould.)    Aufltralia. 

88.  Sporothlastes  castanotis.     (Oould.)    Australia. 
80.  Spermophila  tclasco.     (Lesson.)     Peru. 

Cosmarhynchua  loucoptcrus.     Pcale. 

90.  Erythrura  cyaneoTirens.     Peale.     Samoan  Islands. 

Erythrura  I^lcherani.     Bonaparte  ? 

91.  Erythrura  Pealei.     Hartlaub.     Feejee  Islands. 

Geospiza  prasina.    Pcalo. 
02.  Psittirostra  pHittacca.     (Latham.)     Sandwich  Islands. 
98.  Loxia  amcricuna.     Wilson.     Oregon. 
94.  Phytotoma  rara.     Molina.     Chili. 
05.  Ploccus  philippinua.     (Linnaeus.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

96.  Passer  jagoonsis.     Gould.     Cope  de  Verde  Islands. 

97.  Zonotrichia  matutina.     (Lichtenstein.)     Chili. 

Fringilla  Mortoni.     Audubon. 

08,  Spizella  Breweri.     Cassin.     Oregon. 

09.  Passerculus  alaudinus,     Bonaparte.     Oregon. 

100.  Yolatinia  jacarina.     (Linnaeus.)     Peru. 

Geospiza  pcruviensis.     Peale.  j 

101.  Estrelda  astrilda.     (Linnaeus.)     (Obtained  at  the  Island  of  St.  Helena.) 

102.  Estrelda  temporalis.     (Ijatham.)     Australia. 

103.  Phrygilus  alaudina.     (Kittlitz.)     Chili. 

Fringilla  laciniata.     Pcale. 

104.  Euspiza  diuca.     (Molina.)     Chili. 

Pipilo  cinerca.     Pcale. 

105.  Chrysomitris  magellanicus.     (Vieillot.)     Brazil. 

106.  Sycttlis  brasiliensis.     (Graclin.)     Brazil. 

107.  Serinus  canicollis.     (Swainson.)     Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

108.  Fringillaria  capensis.     (Linnaeus,)    Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
100.  Tanagra  striata.     Gmclin.     Brazil. 

Tunagra  Darwini.     Bonaparte.  * 

110.  Tanagra  ornata.     Sparrman.     Brazil. 

Tanagra  archiepiscopus.     Desmarest. 

111.  Tanagra  cyanoptera.     (Vieillot.)    Brazil.  ■ 

Tanagra  inornata.     Swainson. 
Tanagra  argentata.     G.  11.  Gray. 

112.  Pyranga  ludovioiana.     (Wilson.)    Oregon.  , 

113.  Orthogonys  viridis.     (Spix.)     Brazil. 

114.  Bamphocelus  brasilius.     (Linnaeus.)    Brazil. 

115.  Phoenicothraupis  rubica.     (Vieillot.)    Brazil. 

Tanagra  flamniiceps.     Temniinck. 

116.  Tachyphonus  cristtetus.     (Gmelin.)    Brazil. 


CATALOGUE    OP    BIRDS. 


433 


117. 


118. 

lie. 

120. 
121. 
122. 

128. 
124. 
125. 

126. 
127. 
128. 
12U. 
130. 
181. 
132. 
183. 
134. 
186. 

186. 
137. 

138. 
139. 
140. 
141. 
142. 
143. 


Taohyphonus  ooronatus.    (Vieillot.)    Bruil. 

TBnagra  coryphaeus.     Lichtenstein. 

Tanagra  Vigoraii.     Swainion. 
Trioothraupis  quadrioolor.     (Vioillot.)    Braiil. 
Ginopui  Lcverianua.     ^Qmelin.)     Bnuil. 

Lanius  pioatua.    Latham. 
Calliste  tricolor.     (Qmelin.)    Braiil. 
Calliste  feativa.     (Shaw.)    Brazil. 
Calliste  cyanoventrig.     (Vieillot.)    Braiil. 

Tanagra  citrinella.     Temminok. 
Calliite  thoracica.     (Temminok.)     Brazil. 
Calliste  flaTivcntris.     (Vieillot.)    Brazil. 
Pipridea  melanonota.     (Vieillot.)    Brazil. 

Tanagra  vittata.     Temminok. 
StephanophoruB  coeruleus.     (Vieillot.)    Brazil. 
Ghlorophonia  viridis.     (Vieillot.)     Brazil. 
Euphonia  violaeea.    (Linnaeus.)    Brazil. 
Euphonia  rufiventris.     (Vieillot.)     Brazil. 
Euphonia  chalybea.     (Mikan.)     Brazil. 
Euphonia  nigricollis.     (Vieillot.)    Brazil. 
Tanagrella  cyaDomelaa.     (De  Wicd.)    Brazil. 
Nemoeia  ruficapilla.     Vieillot.     Brazil. 
Pyrrhoooma  ruficeps.     (Strickland.)    Brazil. 
Arremon  silens.     (Boddaert.)    Brazil. 

Arremon  torquatus.     Vieillot. 
Pipilo  oregona.     Bell.     Oregon. 
Pipilo  thoracica.     (Illiger.)    Brazil. 

Pipilo  nifitorques.     Swainson. 
Golius  striatus.     Gmelin.     Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
Turaous  albocristatus.     Strickland.     Cape  of  Qood  Hope. 
Buceros  rhinoceros.     Linnaeus.     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 
Buoeros  galeatus.     Gmelin.     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 
Buceros  pica.     Scopoli.     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 
Buceros  hydrocoraz.     Linnaeus.     Philippine  Islands. 

Buceros  obscurus.     Peale.'" 


*  "Head,  neck,  anil  all  the  lower  portion  of  the  body  and  thighs,  pale,  tawny  yellow;  a  few  pale 
ohestnut^olored  feathers  on  the  breast  and  sides  of  the  head ;  back  and  rump  pale  chocolate-brown  ; 
scapulars  and  wing-coverts  pale  chocolate,  with  tawny  tips;  wings  rounded;  quills  dark  brown,  edged 
with  tawny;  fifth  primary  longest;  the  sixth  and  seventh  nearly  equal  to  the  fifth,  pointed,  and  the 
shafts  dark-brown  ;  tail  consisting  of  ten  feathers,  slightly  rounded,  tawny,  with  white  shafts,  the  two 
middle  feathers  clouded  with  pale  chocolate  on  the  half  nearest  the  body ;  bill  black,  inflated  to  a 
rounded  termination  on  the  crown  beyond  the  eyes;  the  front  edge  compressed  to  a  narrow  keel;  irides 
crimson,  feet  the  same,  paler.     Female." 

"Total  length  thirty-four  and  six-tenths  inches;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  fourteen  and  seven-tenths 
inches;  tail,  twelve  and  eight-tenths  inches;  tarsi,  two  and  two-tenths  inches;  middle  toe,  including 
the  claw,  two  and  seven-tenths  inches ;  claw,  nine-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  hind  toe,  one  and  thirteen- 
twentieibs  inches;  claw,  eight-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  bill,  measuring  from  the  crown  of  the  head  over  the 

109 


'Ti» 


m 

■i:. 


ii* 


K 


434 


CATALOGUE    OF    BIRDS. 


144.  Tockus  nnsutus.     (LinnaeuB.)     Cape  of  Good  Hope.  " 

145.  Lanius  collaris.     Linnaeus.     Cape  of  Good  Hope.  V 
14().  Laniua  lathora.     S^rkcs  ?     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

147.  Enneoctonus  superciliosus.     (Latham.)     Obtained  at  Malacca 

148.  Tbamnnphilus  undulatus.     (31ikan.)     Brazil. 
Tkamnophilus  Vigorsii.     Such. 

149.  Thamnophilus  sevcrus.     (Lichtenstcin.)     Brazil. 
Thaninophilus  nigcr.     Such. 

Falcunculus  frontatus.     (Latham.)     Australia. 
Cyclorhis  guianensis.     (Gniclin.)     Brazil. 
Telophonus  bacbakari.     (Vieillot.)     Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
Lalage  tcrat.     (Boddacrt.)     Fcujee  and  Samoan  Islands. 

Colluricincia  maculosa.     Pealc. 
Lalage  humeralis.     Gould.     Australia. 
Campophaga  cacsia.     (Lichtenstcin.)    Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

Ceblepyris  cana.     Ouvier. 
Graucalus  melanops.     (Latham.)     Australia. 
Graucalus  Swainsonii.     Gould.     Australia. 
Graucalus  u'cntalis.     Vigors  and  Horsfield.     Australia. 
Artauius  mentalis.     Jardine.     Feejee  Islands. 

Ocypterus  nientaiis.     Peale. 
Artamus  leucorhynchu.s.     (Graelin.)     Sooloo  Islands. 
Artamua  sordidus.     (Latham.)     Australia. 
Artamus  superciliosus.     Gould.     Australia. 

Ocypterus  superciliosus.     Pcale. 
Dicrurus  bracteatns.     Gould. 

164.  Dicrurus  viridescens.     Gould. 

165.  Irena  cyanogaster.     Vigors. 

166.  Colluriciucla  harmonica.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

Tardus  pallidus.     Pealc.     ("  Near  Valparaiso,"  Peale.) 

167.  Cracticus  torquatus.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

168.  '''vrannus  borealis.     Swainson.     Oregon. 

Tyrannus  Cooperi.     Nuttall. 

169.  Tv mnus  audux.     (Gmelin.)     Brazil. 

170.  Tyrannula  cinerea.     (Spix.)     Brazil. 

171.  Tyrannula  cayennensis.     (Linnaeus.)     Brazil. 

172.  [Tyrannula  albiceps.     (Lafres.  and  D'Orb  )     Tierra  del  Fuego. 

173.  Tyrannula  chrysoceps.     (Spix.)     Brazil. 

culmen,  fibVdn  and  nine-tenllis  inches;  alonK  the  gonyx,  Ave  and  three-tenths  inches;  along  the  com- 
missure, five  and  fourtenths  inches  ;  wiiih,  one  and  eight-tenths  inches;  depth,  two  and  eight-tenths 
inches." 

"  Near  Sainbnangi.,  oi.  the  island  o{  MIndoro,  we  saw  large  flocks  of  Hornbills,  which  frequented 
deep,  shady  forests ;  some  were  of  a  brick-red  color,  and  were  probably  the  malei  of  the  one  now 
described." 

"  Although  several  were  shot,  such  was  the  nnlure  of  the  jungle,  that  we  succeeded  in  obtaining  but 
a  single  specimen.  All  n{  its  pluniqgu  is  fully  developed,  though  srxnty,  a  wise  provision  in  so  hot  a 
I'liniale,  and  is  much  worn,  showing  that  our  bird  was  fully  grown.  The  voice  is  not  unlike  <hat  of  a 
man  li'^>ri>c  from  Iniid  calling,  and  was  heard  in  the  close  forest  a  distance  of  half  a  mile  or  more." 
Pealc,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp,  Exp.  Birds,  p.  ia5  (1st  ed.,  ISIH). 


150. 
151. 
152. 
153. 

154. 
155. 

156. 
157. 
158. 
159. 

160. 
161. 
162. 

163. 


Australia. 

(Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
Philippine  Islands. 


CATALOGUE    OF    BIRDS.  435 

174.  Milvulus  tyrannus.     (Linnaeus.)     Brazil. 

175.  Pyroccphalus  rubineus.     (Boddaert.)     Brazil. 
17G.  Pyrocephalus  obscurus.     Gould.     Veru. 

177.  Muscivora  rupestris.     (Pe  Wied.)     Brazil. 

178.  Muscipeta  ruf'a.     (O.  11.  Gray.)     Philippine  Islands. 

Tcbitrea  rufa.     G.  11.  Gray. 

179.  Muscipeta  cyaniceps.     Cassin.     Philippine  Islands. 
ISO.  Psophodcs  crepitans.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

181.  Myiobius  similis.     (Spix.)     Brazil.  '       '        '         ' 

182.  Myiagra  plumbca.     Vig.  and  Horsf.     Australia. 

183.  Myiagra  latirostris.     Gould.     Sanioan  Islands. 

Platyrhynclius  albiventris.     Peale. 

184.  Myiagra  vanikorensis.     Quoy  and  Gaimard.     Feejoo  Islands. 
18.5.  Megalophus  regius.     (Ginelin.)     Brazil. 

186.  Rhipidura  albiscapa.     Gould.     New  Zealand.  ^ 

187.  Rhipidura  nebulosa.     Pealc.     Sanioan  Islands. 

188.  Rhipidura  rutifrons.     Yig.  and  Horsf.     Australia. 

189.  Rhipidura  luotacilloides.     Vig.  and  Horsf.     Australia. 

190.  Fluvicola  cyanirostris.     (Vieillut  )     Tierra  del  Fucgo. 

191.  Monarcha  nigra.     (Sparni:inn.)     Society  Islands.. 

192.  Monarcha  carinata.     Swaiiison.     Australia. 

193.  Leucocerca  Lessoni.     (Gray.)     Feejee  Islands. 

Monarcha  cinerca.  Peale. 

194.  Conopophaga  vulgaris.  Menetrics,     Brazil. 

195.  Todirostrum  flavifrons.  (Lafrosnaye.)     Brazil. 

196.  Muscigralla  brevicauda.     D'Orb.  and  Lafr.     Peru. 

Lepturus  brevicaudus.     J'eale.* 

197.  Ptyonura  inentalis.     (Lafresnaye.)     Peru. 

Saxicola  fumifrons.     Peale. f 

•  "  Head  and  back  cinereous  olive-color  ;  feathers  of  the  crown  bright-yellow  nt  their  bases;  rump 
ferruginous ;  thorax  and  superciliary  line  white  ;  abdomen  and  under  tail-coverts  pale  biiB';  wings 
brown;  the  tertialj  and  greater  coverts  tipped  with  while,  forming  two  linrs;  imder  coverts  white; 
tail  very  chort,  brownish-black,  the  feathers  ferrujiinous  at  the  roots  and  tips;  legs  long,  slender,  pale- 
brown,  anil  bare  of  feathers  some  distance  above  the  heels,  bill  slender,  black  ;  iriiles  brown." 

"Total  length,  four  and  sixlenlhs  inches;  wing,  from  the  cnrpal  joint,  two  and  eight-tenths  inches  ; 
tail,  one  and  four-tenths  inches ;  tarsi,  one  inch  ;  bare  space  on  the  tibia,  seven-twentieths  of  an  inch  j 
middle  toe,  including  the  claw,  eight  tenths  of  an  inch  ;  claw,  one-fourth  of  an  inch  ;  Iiind  toe,  one-half 
of  an  inch  ;  nail,  three-tenth«  of  an  inch  ;  bill,  four-tenths  of  nn  inch  ;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  seven- 
tenths  of  nn  inch."     Peale,  Zool,  U.  S.  Kxp.  Kxp.  liirds,  p.  loa  (1st  ed.,  1848). 

f  "  Neck  and  back  olive  ash-color;  breast,  abdotni'ii,  vi'nt,  and  under  tai'-coverts  pale  ash-color,  nearly 
white;  head  and  tliroKt  fcrrnginous,  the  throat  imlining  to  ferruginous ;  wings  dark-brown,  the  quills 
rind  coverts  edged  with  olive;  under  pa.'s  light  asli-color;  tall  even,  nearly  black;  the  two  outer 
feathers  edged  with  while  ;  bill  darkbroK  n  ;  legs  slender,  black  " 

"Total  length,  six  and  nine-tenlhs  inches;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  four  and  three-tenths  inches; 
tail,  two  and  seven-tenlhs  iHches;  tarsi,  one  and  one-leiith  inches;  middle  toe,  including  the  claw, 
cightlenths  of  an  inch  ;  claw,  onefiMirth  of  an  inch  ;  hind  toe,  six-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  claw,  very  slen- 
<ler,  si'ventwenlietlis  of  an  inch  ;  bill,  I'onr-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  eight-tenths  of 
an  inch.     Female. 

•■  Fmuul  on  arid  grounds,  near  Callao,  Peru,  in  the  month  of  July.'  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp. 
Birds,  p.  9U(l8tod.,  1848). 


436 


CATALOGUE    OP    BIRDS. 


198. 
199. 
200. 
201. 
202. 
208. 
204. 
205, 
206. 
207. 
208. 
209. 
210. 
211. 
212. 
213. 
214. 
215. 
216. 
217. 
218. 
219. 
220. 
221. 
222. 
223. 
224. 
225. 
226. 
227. 
228. 
229. 
230. 


Seisura  inquieta.     (Latham.)    Australia. 

Eurylaimus  javanicus.     Horsf.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

Gymbirhynohus  macrorhynohus.     (Gmelin.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

Tityra  cayana.     (Linnaeus.)    Brazil. 

Pachyramphus  Cuvieri.     (Swainson.)    Brazil. 

Agriornis  striatus.     Gould.     Tierra  del  Fuego. 

Pericroootus  roseus.    (Vieillot.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

Cotinga  atropurpurea.     (De  Wied.)    Brazil. 

Procnias  ventrolis.    Illiger.     Brazil. 

Calyptomina  viridis.    Baffles.    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

Pachycephala  pectoralis.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

Pachycephala  melanura.     Gould.     Australia. 

Pachycephala  rufiventris.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

Eopsaltria  australis.     (Latham.)    Australia. 

Peale.     Samoan  Islands. 
Peale.     Samoan  Islands. 

Peale.    Samoan  Islands. 

(Miiller.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

Vieillot.     Brazil. 
Brazil. 


Eopsaltria  flavifrons. 
Eopsaltria  albifrons. 
Eopsaltria  ictcroides. 
Hyloterpe  philomela. 
Phibalura  flavirostris. 
Pipra  caudata.    Shaw. 


Pipra  militaris.     Shaw.     Brazil. 
Manacus  gutturosus.     (Desmarest.)    Brazil. 
Calyptura  cristata.     (Vieillot.)     Brazil, 
lodopleura  pipra.     Lesson.     Brazil. 
Pardalotus  punctatus.     (Latham.)    Australia. 
Pardalotus  striatus.     (Latham.)    Australia. 
Copurus  filicauda.     (Spix.)    Brazil. 
Merula  migratoria.    (Linnaeus.)    Oregon. 
Merula  falklandica.     Quoy  and  Gaimard.     Tierra  del  Fuego. 
Merula  vanikorensis.    Quoy  and  Gaimard.     Samoan  Islands. 
Merula  carbonaria.     (Illiger.)     Brazil. 
Merula  obscura.     (Gmelin.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
Mimus  melanotis.     (Gould.)    Peru. 
Mimus  peruvianus.     Peale."' 


*  ■■  Head,  back,  scapulam,  and  nimp,  pale  umber-brown,  the  feathers  darner  in  the  middle ;  throat 
white;  breast,  abdomen,  end  (lanUs,  very  pale  umber,  the  fealliors  each  with  a  dark  umber  line  in  the 
middle,  and  white  ed^ea;  wings  umber,  a  white  spot  at  the  base  of  the  primaries;  tail  umber,  tipped 
with  rufaus  white.     Female. 

"Total  length,  ten  and  eight-tenths  inches;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  Ave  inches;  tail,  Ave  and 
one-half  inches  ;  tarsi,  one  and  eleven' twentieths  inches  ;  middle  toe,  including  the  claw,  one  and  two- 
tenths  inches ;  claw,  three-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  hind  toe,  nine-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  claw,  four-tenths  of  an 
inch  ;  bill,  eight-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  one  and  two-tenths  inches, 

"  This  bird  was  found  near  Callao,  Peru,  during  the  month  of  July.  It  has  the  manners  and  viva- 
city of  the  North  American  Mocking  Bird,  but  not  its  full  powers  of  song.  The  conspicuous  while 
spots  on  the  wing)  give  it  more  the  appearance  of  ours,  than  the  Chilian  species  (M.  thmcu  -^t  G.  R. 
Gray),  which  has  no  '.ving-spot ;  but  the  white  tip  tn  the  tail  keeps  up  its  southern  alliance.''  PealOi 
Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  87  (Ist  ed.,  1848). 


CATALOGUE    OF    BIRDS. 


437 


281.  Mimus  calandria.    (D'Orb.  and  Lafr.)    Chili. 

232.  Copsychus  saularis.     (Linnaeus.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

233.  Copsychus  macrourus.     (Gmelin.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

234.  Donacobius  atricapillus.     (Linnaeus.)     Brazil. 

235.  Drymophila  trifasciata.     Swainson.     Brazil. 

236.  Taenioptera  pyrope.     (Kittlitz.)    Chili. 

237.  Taenioptera  obscura.     (Gmelin.)    Sandwich  Islands. 

Muscicapa  obscura.     Gmelin.  • 

238.  Picnonotus  ochrocephaius.     (Gmelin.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

239.  Microscelis  tristis.     Blyth.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

240.  Picnonotus  goiavier.     (Scopoli.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.)  « 

241.  Brachypus  melanocephalus.     (Gmelin.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

242.  Brachypus  tympanistrigus.     Miiiler.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

243.  Tricophorus  gularis.     (Ilorsfield.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

244.  Ixos  brunneus.     (Blyth.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

245.  lole  olivaceus.     Ilyth.     (Obtn'ned  at  Malacca.) 

246.  Bessonornis  phoei  icurus.     (Gmelin.)    Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

247.  Phyllornis  malabaria.     (Latham.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

248.  Phyllornis  cyanopogon.     Temminck.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

249.  Phyllornis  Sonneratii.     (Jard.  and  Selby.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

250.  Timalia  macula 'ri.     Temminck.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

251.  Timalia  nigricollis.     Temminck.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

252.  Macronus  ptilosus.    Jard.  and  Selby.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

253.  Cinclosoma  punctatum.     (Latham.)     Australia.  ^ 

254.  Malacopteron  magnum.     Eyton.     (Obtained  at  IMalacca.) 

255.  Cacopitta  Icpidopleura.     Bonaparte.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

256.  Sclerurus  caudacutus.     (Vieillot.)    Brazil. 
2i)7.  Grallaria  mar'''--*a.     (De  Wied.)     Brazil. 

Chamaeza  nieruloides.     Vigors. 

258.  Pitta  strepitans.     Temminck.     Australia. 

259.  Pitta  cyanoptera.     Temminck.     (Obtained  at  Malacca  ) 

260.  Pitta  cucullata.     Hartlaub.     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

Pitta  coronata.     Peale.* 

261.  Formicivora  loricata.     (Lichtenstein.)     Brazil. 

262.  EUipura  variegata.     (Such.)     Brazil, 

263.  Hylactes  megapodius.     (Kittlitz.)    Chili, 

•  "  Crown  chestnut,  witli  a  blnck  line  in  tlie  ini(l<lle  ;  cheeks,  eyehds,  throat,  and  neck  black  |  back, 
scapiilarB,  and  greater  wing-coverts  green  ;  breast  and  flanks  green,  or  a  lighter  shade  than  the  back  ; 
ventral  spot  bright  scorlet ;  under  tail^overts  paler  scarlet ;  tail  rounded,  short,  black,  the  central  feathers 
slightly  tipped  with  green;  upper  coverts  and  rump  light  silvery  blue;  wings  rounded,  short,  second 
and  third  quills  equal  and  lo.igest;  primaries  black  nt  each  end  and  white  in  the  middle;  secondaries 
black  on  the  inner  web,  blue-(;reen  on  the  outer ;  lesser  coverts  light  silvery  blue  ;  under  coverts  black  ; 
bill  black;  the  corners  of  the  month  yellow  ;  legs  reddish. 

"  Total  length,  six  and  nine-tenths  ini'hes  ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  four  and  eight-tenths  inches  ; 
tarsi,  one  and  four-tenths  inches;  middle  toe,  iuchuling  the  claw,  one  and  one-fourth  inches;  claw, 
three-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  hind  toe,  nine-tenths  of  nu  inch  ;  clii  w,  one-half  of  nn  inch  ;  bill,  eight-tenths  of 
an  inch ;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  one  and  one-tenth  inches. 

■'  Inhabits  the  Peninsula  of  Malacca.  We  obtained  a  single  specimen  at  Singapore.'  Peale,  Zool. 
U.  S.  Exp,  Exp.  Birds,  p.  80. 


438 


CATALOGUE    OF    BIRDS. 


264. 
265. 
2(56. 
267. 
268. 
269. 
270. 
271. 
272. 
273. 
274. 
275. 
276. 

277. 

278. 
279. 
280. 
281. 
282. 
283. 
284. 
285. 

286. 
287. 
288. 
289. 
290. 
291. 
292. 
293. 
294. 
295. 
296. 
297. 


Pteroptochus  albicollis. 
Tripturhinus  paradoxus. 
Certhilauda  tcnuirastris. 
Cincloraiuphus  cniralis. 


KittlitE.     Chili. 

(Kittlitz.)'  Chili. 

D'Orb.  and  I^afr. 

Vig.  and  Horsf.     Australia, 


Tierra  del  Fuego. 


Anthus  ludovicianuB.     (Ginolin.)     Oregon. 

Anthus  striolutus.     BIyth.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

Anthus  praten.sis.     (Linnaeus.)     Madeira. 

Saxicola  oenanthe.     (Linnaeus.)     At  Sea,  off  Coast  of  Western  Africa. 

Sialia  niexicana.     Swainson.     Oregon. 

Origina  rubricata.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

Petroica  rosea.     Gould.     Australia. 

Petroica  multicolor.     (Vig.  and  Horsf.)     Australia. 

Petroica  phoenicea.     Gould.     Australia.  • 

Petroica  coccinea.     Peale.* 
Petroica  pusilla.     Peale.     Samoan  Islands. 
Ephthianura  albifrons.     Jard.  and  Selby.     Australia. 
Acanthiza  lineata.     Gould.     Australia. 
Acnnthiza  reguloides.     Vig.  and  Horsf.     Australia. 
Zosterops  dorsalis.     Vig.  and  Horsf.     Australia. 
Zosterops  albogularis.     Gould.     Australia. 
Zosterops  flaviceps.     Peale.     Feejee  Islands. 
Zosterops  montana.     Bonaparte. 
Euscarthmus  parulu?'      (Kittlitz.)     Chili. 

Regulus  plumulosus.     Peale, 
Cyanotis  omnicolor.     (Vieillot.)     Chili. 
Malurus  cyaneus.     (Gnielin.)     Australia. 
Malurus  melanocephalus.     Australia. 
Stipiturus  malachurus.     (Shaw.)     Australia. 
Calamanthus  strigatus.     (Latham.)     Australia. 
Grallina  cyanoleuca.     (Latham.)     Australia. 
Parula  brasiliana.     (Lichtenstcin.)     Brazil. 
Trichas  velata.     (Vieillot.)     Brazil. 
Meliphaga  novae  hollimdiae.     (I^atham.)     Australia. 
Meliphaga  australasiana.     (Shaw.)     Australia. 
Meliphaga  auricomis.     (I^atham.)     Australia. 
Meliphaga  phrygia.     (Latham.)     Australia. 


*  "  Head,  back,  wings,  anil  tail  asliy  binck ;  lesser  wing-coverts,  bar  across  tlio  quill<,  and  outer  edge 
of  the  tertials,  white ;  o  longitudinal  white  line  extending  the  whole  length  of  the  outer  tail-feathers  ; 
a  while  spot  at  the  base  of  the  upper  mandible ;  chin-spot  cinereous ;  throat,  breast,  and  abdotnen 
scarlet ;  under  coverts  a(  the  wings  and  tail  white ;  irides  brown  ;  bill  and  legs  black. 

"  Total  length,  Ave  and  one-tenth  inches  ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  three  and  four-tenths  inches  ; 
tail,  two  and  two-tenths  inches;  tarsi,  cighl-temhs  of  an  innli ;  middle  toe,  including  the  claw,  seven- 
tenths  of  an  inch  ;  claw,  two-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  hind  toe,  one-half  of  an  inch  ;  claw,  one-fourth  of  an 
inch  ;  bill,  fuiir-tenllis  of  an  inch  ;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  thirteen-twentieths  nf  an  inch. 

"  Onr  specimens  were  obtained  near  Sydney,  New  South  Wales,  in  the  month  of  December.  At  the 
ramc  sciimn,  specimens  were  obtained  uf  1*.  multicolor  (Mu$cicapa  mullUolor,  Gni.)  and  P.  Lathami 
(MiucKopa  £<itAanii,  Vigors,  Zoul.  Jour.  vol.  i,  p.  410,  pi.  13.)"    Peale,  Zool.  U.S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  93. 


CATALOGUE    OP    BIRDS. 


439 


298.  Ptilotis  chrysotis.     (Latham.)    Australia. 

299.  Ptilotis  leucotis.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

800.  Ptilotis  carunculata.     (Gmelin.)     Feejee  and  Samoan  Islands. 
301.  Prosthemadera  novae  zealandiae.     (Gmelin.)     New  Zealand. 
802.  Anthornis  melanura.     (Sparrraan.)    New  Zealand. 

303.  Manorhina  gnvrula.     (Latham.)     Australia.  ♦ 

304.  Manorhina  melanophrys.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

305.  Anthrochaera  oarunculata.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

306.  Anthochaera  mellivora.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

307.  Tropidorhynchus  corniculatus.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

308.  Tropidorhynchus  samoensis.     (Homb.  and  Jacq.)     Samoan  Islands. 

Entomiza?  olivacea.     Peale.* 
809.  Acanthorynchus  tenuirostris.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

310.  Ptilorus  paradiseus.     Swainson.     Australia. 

311.  Paradisea  papuana.     Bechstein.     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

812.  Diphyllodes  magnifica.     (Scopoli.)     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

813.  Mohoa  nobilis.     (Merrera.)     Sandwich  Islands. 

314.  Mohoa  angustipluma.     (Peale.)    Sandwich  Islands. 

315.  Melithreptus  lunulatus.     (Shaw.)     Australia. 

316.  Promerops  cafer.     (Linnaeus.)     Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

317.  Irrisor  erythrorhynchus.     (Latham.)     Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

318.  Arachnothera  chrysogenys.     (Temminck.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

319.  Arachnothera  longirostris.     Jerdon.     (Obtained  at  3Ialacca,) 

320.  Myzomela  sanguinolenta.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

321.  Myzomela  jugularis.     Peale.     Feejee  Islands. 

322.  Myzomela  nigriventris.     Peale.     Samoan  Islands. 

323.  Drepanis  coccinea.     (Gmelin.)     Sandwich  Islands. 

324.  Drepanis  sanguinea.     (Gmelin.)     Sandwich  Islands. 

325.  Neetarinia  fumosa.     (Linnaeus.)     Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
320.  Neetarinia  violacea.     (Linnaeus.)     Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

327.  Cinnyris  chalybea.     (Linnaeus.)     Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

328.  Cinnyris  amethystina.     (Shaw.)     Cape  of  Good  Hope, 

329.  Diceuni  hirundinaceum.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

330.  Polytmus  serrirostris.     (Vieillot.)     Brazil. 

331.  Polytmus  albicollis.     (Vieillot.)     Brazil. 

•  "  Body,  above  and  beneath,  olive-colored,  running  into  a  dusky  black  on  the  head  and  breast;  a 
yellowish-olive  line  runs  from  the  base  of  the  bill  through  the  auriculnrs ;  wings  dusky  brown,  the 
outer  webs  of  the  feathers  yellowish,  fourth,  fifth,  and  sixth  quills  nearly  equal,  and  double  the  length 
of  the  first,  shafts  black  above,  dusky  beneath ;  tail  rounded,  consisting  of  twelve  reddish-brown 
feathers,  their  outer  webs  yellowish, shafts  white  beneath, brown  above;  bill  slightly  curved, the  edges 
very  sharp,  in  some  specitnens  the  upper  mandible  is  toothed,  whilst  in  others  it  appears  to  be  worn 
smooth  ;  tongue  divided  into  a  oorneoiis  brush  at  the  extremity  ;  inside  of  the  bill  yellow,  outside  black : 
legs  black  ;  soles  yellow  ;  irides  pale  lead-color. 

"  Total  length,  thirteen  and  one-hali'-iiches  ;  extent  of  wings,  eighteen  and  one-eighth  inches;  wings, 
from  the  carpal  joint,  six  and  four.tcnths  .icbes;  tail,  Ave  and  one-half  inches;  outside  feathers,  four 
and  three-fourths  inches  ;  tarsi,  one  and  sevei  'enths  inches;  middle  toe,  including  the  claw,  one  and 
four-tenths  inches  ;  claw,  one-half  of  an  inch  ;  hind  toe,  one  and  one-tenth  inches  ;  claw,  six-lenlhs  of 
an  inch  ;  bill,  one  and  one-half  inches;  to  the  corners  of  the  mouth,  one  and  lifteen-twentieths  inches." 
Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Kxp  Kxp.  Birds,  p.  145. 


440 


CATALOGUE    OB*    BIRDS. 


832.  Polytmus  glaucopis.     (Gnielin.)    Brazil. 

838.  Polytmus  Iliefferi.     (Bourcier.)     Chili. 

334.  Pol^'tmus  brevirostris.     (Lesson.)    Brazil. 

836.  Polytmus  mazeppa.     (Lesson.)    Brazil. 

386.  Polytmus  chrysobronchus.     (Shaw.)    Brazil. 

337.  Polytmus  douiinieus.     (Linnaeus.)    Brazil.  \ 

838.  Polytmus  thauniatias.     (Linnaeus.)    Brazil. 

889.  Heliothrix  auritus.     (Gmelin.)     Brazil. 

840.  Mellisuga  Dclalandii.     (Vieillot.)    Brazil. 

841.  Mellisuga  galerita.     (3Iolina.)     Chili. 

842.  Mellisuga  magnifica.     (Vieillot.)    Brazil. 

843.  Mellisuga  ametbystina.     (Graclin.)     Brazil. 

844.  Mellisuga  rubinea.     (Ijatham.)     Brazil.  ^ 

846.  Mellisuga  moschita.     (Linnaeus.)     Brazil. 
840.  Hylocharis  gigas.     (Vieillot.)     Chili. 

847.  Hylocharis  cyanea.     (Vieillot.)     Brazil. 

848.  Hylocharis  prasina.     (Lesson.)     Brazil. 
349.  Hylocharis  albirostris.     (Vieillot.)     Brazil. 

850.  Hylocharis  sapphirina.     (Gmelin.)    Brazil. 

851.  Topaza  atra.     (De  Wied.)     Brazil. 

852.  Phoethornis  eurynoma.  (Lesson.)  Brazil. 
858.  Phoethornis  Davidiana.  (Lesson.)  Brazil. 
354.  Phoethornis  Longuemarea.     (Lesson.) 

855.  Grypus  naevius.     (Dumont.)     Brazil. 

856.  Hemignathus  olivaccus.     (Lafresnaye.)     Sandwich  Islands. 

857.  Hemignathus  lucidus.     (Lichtenstein.)     Sandwich  Islands. 

858.  Hemignathus  ?  obscurus.     (Gmelin.)     Sandwich  Islands. 
359.  Dacnis  cyanocephala.     (Linnaeus.)     Brazil. 

860.  Dacnis  spiza.     (Linnaeus.)    Brazil. 

361.  Dacnis  phnnben.     (Latham.)     Brazil. 

362.  Lochmias  St.  Hilarii.     (Lesson.)    Brazil. 

363.  Scytalopus  squaraiger.     (Lafresnaye.)    Brazil. 
864.  Troglodytes  magellanicus.     Gould.     Peru. 
365.  Menura  snperba.        avis.     Australia. 

866.  Tatare  otaitensis.     Lesson.     Sandwich  Islands. 

867.  Cinclodes  vulgaris.     (Lafresnaye.)    Chili. 

868.  Cinclodes  patagonicu^.     (Gmelin.)    Tierra  del  Fuego. 

869.  Cinclodes  nigrofumosus.     (D'Orb.  and  Lafr.)     Peru. 

870.  Orthonyx  spinicauda.     Temminck.     Australia. 
371.  Anabates  leucopthalmus.     De  Wied.     Brazil. 
872.  Dendrocoloptes  platyrostris.     Spix.     Peru. 
373.  Synallaxis  aegithaloides.     Kittlitz.     Peru. 
874.  Synallaxis  spinicauda.     (Gmelin.)     Chili. 
375.  Hirundo  rustica.     Linnaeus.     At  Sea. 

876.  Hirundo  lliocourii.     Audouin.     At  Sea. 

377.  Hirundo  fulva.     Vieillot.     Peru. 
Hirundo  rufocollaris,    Peale. 


CATALOGUE    OP    BIRDS. 


441 


rl 


378.  Petroohelidon  nigricans.     (Vieillot.)    Australia. 

379.  Petroohelidon  cyanoleuca.     (Vieillot.)    Peru. 

380.  Cotyle  flavigastra.     (Vieillot.)    Brazil. 

381.  Collocalia  cinerea.     (Gnielin.)     Souiety  Islands. 

Macropteryx  leucophaeus.     Pealo. 

382.  Collocalia  spodiopygia.     (Peale.)     Hamoan  Islands. 

383.  Cypselus  apus.     (Linnaeus.)     Capo   if  Good  Hope. 

384.  Acanthylis  zonaris.     (Shaw.)     Peru. 

385.  Gaprimulgus  albonotatus.    Tickell.     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

Caprimulgus  biuiaculatus.     Peale.* 
38tf.  Caprimulgus  macrurus.     Horsfield.     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

387.  Nyctibius  aethercus.     (De  Wied.)     Brazil. 

388.  BatrachostomuB  javanensis.     (Hoi'sfield.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

389.  Podargus  humerulis.     Vigors  and  Horsfield.     Australia. 

390.  Nyctidrouius  americanus.     (Linnaeus.)    Brazil. 

891.  Stenopsis  longirostris.     (Bonaparte.)     Chili.  ' 

Caprimulgus  conterminus.     Peale. 

392.  Stenopsis  parvulus.     (Gould.)     Peru.  ^ 

Caprimulgus  aequicauda.     Peale. 

393.  Antrostomus  Nuttallii.     (Audubon.)     Oregon. 

394.  Chordeiles  acutipennis.    (Boddaert.)    Pera. 

Chordeiles  penivianus.     Peale. 

395.  Alcedo  bengalensis.     Gmelin.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

396.  Ceryle  alcyon.     (Linnaeus.)    Oregon. 

397.  Ceryle  americana.     (Gmelin.)     Brazil. 

398.  Corythornis  cyanostigma.     (Uiippell.)     South  Africa. 

399.  Halcyon  pileata.     (Boddaert.)     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

400.  Halcyon  erythrorhyncha.     Gould.     Cape  de  Verde  Islands, 

401.  Todiramphus  vagans.     (Lesson.)    New  Zealand. 

*  "  Crown  and  occiput  cinereous  gray,  the  feathers  having  a  central  black  pointed  mark  down  the 
middle;  auriculars  and  chin  rufous,  crossed  by  fine  lines  of  dark  brown ;  a  white  line  along  the  lower 
edge  of  the  mouth;  throat  white,  margined  with  black  below;  breast  and  belly  tawny  gray,  finely 
spotted  with  dark  brown;  vent  and  under  tail-coverts  very  pale  tawny,  crossed  by  small  brown  lines, 
which  are  widest  separated  on  the  under  tailcoverts;  back  dark  tawny  gray;  scapulars  tawny  gray, 
the  outer  feathers  having  an  oblique  black  band,  and  those  of  the  middle,  black  centres  and  broad  outer 
margins  of  pale  buff;  wings  mottled  tawny  gray,  the  upper  coverts  dark  brown  in  tlie  middle,  and 
tipped  with  white,  the  under  coverts  tawny,  with  dark  brown  bars:  quills  black,  running  into  brown 
towards  the  tips,  the  second  longest,  third  nearly  equal  to  it,  fourth  and  first  even,  a  white  bar  crosses 
them  in  the  middle,  excepting  the  outer  web  of  the  first,  second  and  third  deeply  incised  in  the  middle 
of  the  outer  web ;  secondaries  crossed  by  scattered  rufous  spots  ;  tail  rounded,  dark  brown,  the  middle 
feathers  mottled  with  dark  tawny  gray,  the  outer  ones  slightly  barred  with  rufous  spots,  two  on  each 
side  are  while  one^thirdof  dieir  length  from  the  tip;  tarsi  covered  with  lawny  feathers  barred  with 
brown ;  toes  dusky. 

"Total  length,  eleven  and  six-tenths  itKhes ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  eight  aiul  three-tenths 
inches;  tail,  five  and  nine-tenths  inches;  tarsi,  six-tenths  of  an  inch;  middle  toe,  including  the  nail, 
nine-tenths  of  an  inch;  nail,  two-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  bill,  tliree-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  to  the  angle  of  the 
mouth,  one  and  one-tenth  inches, 

"  Inhabits  the  MaJay  Peninsula;  the  specimen  was  obuined  at  Singapore.'  Peale,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp. 
Exp.  Birds,  n.  170. 

lU 


442 


CATALOGUE    OP    BIRDS. 


402.  Todiramphus  tuta.     (Gnielin.)    Samoan  Islands. 

Daccio  coronata.     Peale. 

403.  Todiramphus  vitiensis.     (Peale.)    Feejee  Islands. 

404.  Todiramphus  recurvirostris.     (Lafrcsnaye.)     Samoan  Islands 

Dacelo  minima.     Peale. 

405.  Todiramphus  sanctus.     Vig.  and  Horsf.    Australia. 

406.  Todiramphus  divinus.     Lesson.     Society  Islands. 

Dacelo  nullitorques.     Peale. 

407.  Dacelo  gigas.     (Boddaert.)     Australia. 

408.  Galbula  ruficauda.     Cuvier.     Brazil. 

409.  EurystomuB  orientalis.     (Linnaeus.)    Philippine  Islands. 

410.  Eurystomus  pacificus.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

411.  Merops  philippinus.     Gmelin.     Philippine  Islands. 

412.  Merops  Savigni.     Swainson.    Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

413.  Merops  quinticolor.     Vieillot  ?     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

414.  Trogon  viridis.     Linnaeus.     Brazil. 

415.  Trogon  collaris.     Vieillot.     Brazil. 

416.  Trogon  curucui.     Linnaeus.     Brazil. 

417.  Trogon  purpuratus.     Swainson?     Brazil. 

418.  Harpactes  Temminekii.     ^Gould.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca. ) 

419.  Harpactes  rutilus.     (Vieillot.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

420.  Harpactes  ardens.     (Tomminck.)     Philippine  Islands. 

Harpactes  rodios'«ernus.     Peale. 


V.  Order  SCANSORES. 


421.  Conurus  nobilis.     (Linnaeus.)     Brazil. 

422.  Pionus  cobaltinus.     Massena  and  Souance.     Brazil. 

423.  Psittacula  pileata.     (Scopoli.)     Brazil. 

424.  Psittacula  arythrocephala.     (Vieillot.)     Brazil. 

425.  Psittacula  pa.ssenna.     (Linnaeus.)     Brazil. 

426.  Psittacula  galgulus.     (Linnaeus.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

427.  Psittacula  malaccensis.     (Latham.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

428.  Palaeornis  longicauda.     (Boddaert.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

429.  Coriphilus  solitarius.     (Latham.)     Feejee  Islands. 

430.  Coriphilus  cyaneus.     (Sparrnian.)     Society  Islands. 

431.  Coriphilus  australis.     (Graelin.)     Samoan  Islands. 

432.  Aprosmictus  scapulatus.     (Bechstein.)     Australia. 

433.  Aprosmictus  erythropterus.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

434.  Aprosmictus  tabuensis.     (Graelin.)     Feejee  Islands. 

Platycercus  atF  gularis.     Peale. 

435.  Aprosmictus  Anna.     (Bourj.  St.  Hil.)     Feejee  Islands. 

436.  Aprosmictus  splendens.     (Peale.)     Feejee  Islands. 

437.  Aprosmictus  personatus.     (G.  R.  Gray.)     Feejee  Islands. 

438.  Trichoglossus  pusillus.     (Shaw.)    Australia. 


CATALOGUE    OF    BIRDS. 


443 


489.  Trichoglussus  australis.     (Latham.)    Australia. 

440.  Trichoglossus  chlorilepidotus.     (Kuhl.)     Australia. 

441.  Trichoglossus  porphyreocephalus.     Diet.     Australia. 

442.  Trichoglossus  multicolor.     (Gmelin.)     Australia. 

443.  Platycercus  Barnardii.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

444.  Platycercus  Pennantii.     (Tjatham.)     Australia. 

445.  Platycercus  Adelaidao.     Qould.     Australia. 

446.  Platycercus  eximius.     (Shaw.)    Australia. 

447.  Euphema  pulchella.     (Shaw.)    Australia. 

448.  Euphema  chrysostoma.     (Kuhl.)    Australia. 

449.  Melopsittacus  undulatua.     (Shaw.)     Australia. 

450.  Pezoporus  formosus.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

451.  Tanygnathus  pileatus.     (Scopoli.)     Sooloo  Islands. 
462.  Enicognathus  leptorhynchus.     (King.)     Chili. 

453.  Aratinga  vittata.     (Shaw.)    Brazil. 

454.  Aratinga  tiriacula.     (Boddaert.) 

455.  Cacatua  galerita.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

456.  Cacatua  philippinarum.     (Gmelin.)    Sooloo  Islands. 

457.  Calyptorhynchus  funereus.     (Shaw.)     Australia. 

458.  Calyptorhynchus  Leachii. 

459.  Calyptorhynchus  Baiiksii. 

460.  Nestor  australis.     (Shaw.) 

461.  Picus  Harrisii.     Audubon. 

462.  Melanerpes  torquatus.     (Wilson.)    Oregon. 

463.  Melanerpes  ruber.     (Gmelin.)    Oregon. 

464.  Centurus  flavifrons.     (Vieillot.)     Brazil. 

465.  Dendrobatcs  griseoccphalus.     (Boddaert.)    Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

466.  Dendrobates  passcrinus.     (Linnaeus.)    Brazil. 
Meiglyptes  Blythii.     Malherbe.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
Meiglyptes  tristris.     (Horsfield.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
Meiglyptes  brunneus.     (Eyton.)     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

Meiglyptes  fuscus.     Peale.* 
Colaptes  mexicanus.     (Swainson.)    California. 

471.  Gecinus  miniatus.     (Forster.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

472.  Gecinus  puniceus.     (Horsfield.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
(Temminck.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
(Gmelin.)     Brazil. 


(Kuhl.)    Australia. 
(Latham.)     Australia. 

New  Zealand. 

Oregon. 


467. 
468. 
469. 

470. 


473.  Gecinus  mentalis. 

474.  Celeus  flavescens. 


*  "  Yellowisb-brown ;  back,  wings,  and  tail  crossed  by  irregular  tawny  bars';  breast  nearly  black, 
crossed  on  the  low«r  part  by  line,  tnwny  lines;  throat  crossed  by  numerous  tawny  lines;  a  tawny  spot 
on  each  side  of  the  breast;  upper  mandible  blue-black;  the  lower  mandible  greenish  near  the  base 
and  lower  angle;  feet  large,  strong;  the  inner  hind  toe  very  smell. 

"Total  length,  eight  and  a  half  inches;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  four  and  foui-tenths  inches; 
tail,  two  and  seven-tenths  inches;  tarsi,  eight-tenths  of  an  inch;  outer  front  toe,  including  the  claw, 
nine-tenths  of  an  inch;  clawj  nine-twentieths  of  an  inch;  versatile  or  outer  hind  toe,  nine-tenths  of 
an  inch;  claw,  three-tenths  of  an  inch;  inner  hind  toe,  seven-twentieths  of  an  inch;  nail,  three- 
twentieths  of  an  inch;  bill,  seventeen-twentieths  of  an  inch;  to  the  angle  of  the  mouth,  one  and  one- 
tenth  inches. 

"Inhabits  the  Maley  peninsula.  Our  specimen  was  obtained  at  Singapore."  Peale, Zool.  Exp.  Exp. 
Birds,  p.  132. 


444 


CATALOGUE    OF    BIRDS. 


475. 
470. 
477. 
478. 
479. 
480. 
481. 
482. 
488. 
484. 
485. 

486. 
487. 
488. 
489. 
490. 
491. 
492. 
498. 

494. 
495. 
496. 
497. 
498. 
499. 
600. 
501. 

502. 
50.3. 
504. 


ChrysoptiluB  inelanochloria.     (Onielin.)    Brazil. 
Chloronerpoa  aurulontus.     (LichtenHtein.)     Braiil. 
Tiga  Rafflesii.     (Vigors.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
DryocopuB  erjthrops.     (Cuvier.)     Brazil. 
Campephilus  robustiu.     (Liohtenatein.)     Brazil. 


Ileinicercus  concretus. 
Pioumnus  Temminckii. 
MegalorhynchuB  Hayii. 
Megalaiua  trimaculata. 
Megalaiina  chrysopogon. 
Megalaima  malacccnBia. 
Bucco  rubritorques. 
Megalaima  versicolor, 
Aoanthisitta  chloria. 


(Teiuminck.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
Lafresnaye.     Brazil . 
(Gray.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
(Gray.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
(Temminck.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca  ) 
(Hartlaub.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca,) 
Peale.* 
(KafHes.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
(Spiirrman.)     New  Zealand. 


Sitella  chrysoptera.     (Latham.)     Australia. 
Glimacteris  scandens.     Temminck.     Australia. 
CuouluB  cincniBcens.     Yig.  and  Horsf.     Australia. 
CuculuB  simuB.     Peale.     Fecjce  Islands. 
CuouluB  inornatuB.     Yig.  and  Horsf.     Australia. 
Cuculus  tenuirostria.     Lesson.     Sooloo  Islands. 

CuculuB  fucatuB.     Peale. 
Guculua  lugubria.     Horafield.     (Obtained  at  M.        a.) 
Guculus  merulinuB.     Scopoli.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
OxylophuB  coromanduB.     (Linnaeus.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
Ghalcitea  lucidus.     (Gnielin.)     Australia. 
GoccyzuB  minor.     (Gmelin.)    Peru. 
Eudynamya  orientalia.     (Linnaeua.)     Sooloo  lalanda. 
Eudynamya  Flindcrsii.     (Latham.)     Australia. 
Eudynamya  tahitiua.     (Gmelin.)     Fcejec  Islands. 

Eudynamys  cuneicauda.     Peale. 
Piaya  cayana.     (Linnaeus.)    Brazil. 
Piaya  erythrorhyncha.     (Cuvier.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
Rhinortha  chlorophaeus.     (Raffles.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

Andaenua  ruficaudus.     Peale.f 


•  "  Front  and  line  each  side  of  the  crown  Kol'li^n-yellow ;  crown,  throat,  and  under  parts  of  the  tail 
Uliht  blue;  lores  black;  cheek,  brow»,  breast,  and  belly  liKht  green;  back,  wings,  and  tail  darker;  a 
narrow  collar  or  band  of  bright  red  crosses  the  back  part  of  the  neck  ;  there  is  a  spot  of  the  same 
bright  red  on  each  side  of  the  breast,  at  the  lower  edge  of  the  blue;  bill  black;  legs  leadK^olor. 

"  Total  length,  seven  and  eight-tenths  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  four  and  seven-tenths 
inches;  tail,  two  and  three-twentieths  inches;  tarsi,  nine-tenths  of  an  inch;  middle  toe,  including  the 
claw,  nine-tenths  of  an  inch;  claw,  three-tenths  of  an  inch;  versatile  or  outer  hind  toe,  three-fourths 
of  an  inch  ;  claw,  one-fourth  of  an  inch  ;  inner  hind  toe,  four-tenths  of  an  inch ;  claw,  two-twentieths  of 
an  inch  ;  bill,  ninelenths  of  an  inch ;  to  the  corners  of  the  mouth,  one  and  one-fourlh  inches. 

"  Five  specimens  of  this  bird  were  obtained  at  Singapore.  They  do  not  vary  in  plumage."  Peale, 
Zool.  U.  8.  Exp.  Kxp.  Birds,  p.  133. 

t  "  Hcail,  neck,  and  breast,  light  cinereous  gray  ;  back,  wings,  and  tail,  light  chestnut ;  vent,  thighs, 
and  under  tail-covcrls,  paler ;  tail  cuneate,  composed  of  ten  broad  feathers,  with  black  terminal  band* 


CATALOGUE    OF    BIRDS. 


445 


505.  ZanclostomuB  aumatronua.     (Raffles.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
Phoenioophaeus  nigriTentris.     Peale.* 

606.  PhocnicophaeuB  curvirostris.     (Shaw.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

607.  Contropus  phaaianus.     (Latham.)    Australia. 
508.  Contropus  melanops.    Lesson.     Philippine  Islands. 

Ccntropus  nigrifrons.     Poale. 

500.  Indicator  maculatus.     G.  R.  Gray.     South  Africa. 

510.  Crotophaga  laevirostra.     Swainson.     Brazil. 

511.  Scythrops  novae-hoUandiae.     Latham.     Australia. 

612.  Kamphastos  dicolorus.     Gmelin.     Brazil. 

613.  Pteroglossus  aracari.     (Linnaeus.)    Brazil. 

614.  Pteroglossus  Builloni.     Waglcr.     Brazil. 

515.  Pteroglossus  maculirostris.     Lichtenstein.     Brazil. 


III.  Order  RASORES. 

616.  Oullus  Bankiva.    Temminck.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

517.  Gallus  Bankiva,  var.  tahiticus.     Cassin.     Society  Islands. 

618.  Gallophasis  pyrrhonotus.     G.  R.  Gray.     (Obtained  at  Malacca,) 

619.  Gallophasis  purpureus.     Gray.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

620.  Polyplectron  bicalcaratum.     (Latham.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

621.  Argus  giganteus.     Temminck.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

622.  Tetrao  obscurus.     Say.     Oregon. 

623.  Tetrao  urophasianus.    Bonaparte.    Oregon. 

524.  Bonasia  umbellus.     (Linnaeus.)    Oregon. 

525.  Francolinus  afer.     (Latham.)    South  Africa. 

526.  Francolinus  capensis.     (Gmelin.)     South  Africa. 

527.  Rollulus  cristatus.     (Gmelin.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

528.  Rollulus  niger.     (Vigors.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

and  white  tips ;  wings  rounded,  sixth  quill  longest,  all  the  quills  tipped  with  sepia-brown  ;  bill  green  ; 
legs  lead-color. 

"  Total  length,  twelve  and  three-tenths  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  four  and  seven-tentim 
inches;  tail,  six  and  eight-tenths  inches ;  outer  feathers,  three  and  one-half  inches ;  tarsi,  nine-tenths  of 
an  inch  ;  middle  toe,  including  the  claw,  eight-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  claw,  one-fourth  of  an  inch  ;  outer 
hind  toe,  seven-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  claw,  two-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  inner  hind  toe,  one-half  of  an  inch  ; 
claw,  two-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  bill,  one  inch  ;  to  the  corner  of  the  mouth,  one  and  two-tenths  inches." 
Peale,  as  above. 

*  "Head,  neck,  and  breast,  dark  cinereous  gray;  back,  wings,  and  tail,  dark,  metallic  blue-green; 
vent  dusky  black  ;  tail  long,  cuneate,  and  tipped  with  white ;  wings  rounded,  fourth,  fifth,  and  sixth 
quills  equal  and  longest;  cheeks  covered  with  red  papillae,  margined  next  the  bill  with  short  black 
bristles  ;  eyelashes  composed  of  strong  black  bristles ;  bill  stouter,  and  not  so  long  as  that  of  P.  Suma- 
tranui\  nostrils  nearly  round  or  pyriform,  and  opening  downwards  into  the  inflated  base  of  the  bill. 

"  Total  length,  fourteen  inches ;  wing,  from  the  carpal  joint,  Ave  and  fcur-tenths  inches ;  tail,  eight 
inches  ;  the  outer  feathers,  {out  and  one-tenth  inches  ;  tarsi,  one  and  one-fourth  inches  ;  middle  toe, 
including  the  claw,  one  inch;  claw,  three-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  outer  hind  toe,  nine-tenths  of  an  inch  ; 
claw,  two-tenths  of  an  inch  ;  inner  hind  toe,  one-half  of  an  inch  ;  cinw,  two-tenths  of  an  inch ;  bill, 
one  and  one-twentieth  inches ;  to  the  corners  of  the  mouth,  one  and  one-fourth  inches,"  Peale,  as 
above. 

112 


446 


CATALOGUE    OF    BIRDS. 


520.  Odontophorus  |];u!anenBi8.     (Gmelin.)    Braiil. 

630.  Callipopla  califoriiica.     (Shaw.)    Calirornia. 

631.  Callipepla  piota.     (Douglas.)     Oreg.n. 

682.  Cotarnix  ooramunis.     Bonnaterre.     Cape  do  Verdo  Islands. 
638.  Coturniz  ohinensis.     (Linnaeus.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
634.  Cotu.niz  austrolis.     (Latham.)     Australia. 
685.  Coturnix  peotoralis.     Oould.     Australia. 

636.  Turnix  pugnax.     (Temminok.)    (Obtained  at  Mulaoca.) 

637.  Turnix  variua.     (Latham.)*  Australia. 

638.  Eudromia  elcgans.     Patagonia. 
689.  Thinooorus  Ingae.     Tschudi.     Peru. 

Glareola  cuneicauda.     Peale. 
640.  Telegallus  Lathami.     (Gray.)     Australia. 
541.  Columba  fosciata.     Say.     Oregon. 

642.  Columba  araucana.     Lesson.     Chili. 

643.  Columba  vitiensis.     Quoy  and  Gaimard.     Feejee  Islands. 

644.  Columba  castaneiceps.     Peale.     Hamoan  Islands. 

545.  Carpophaga  spadicea.     (liatham.)     New  Zealand. 

546.  Carpophaga  niagnifica.     (Temminck.)    Australia. 
647.  Carpophaga  Piokeringii.     Cossin.     Sooloo  Islands. 

548.  Carpophaga  aurorae.     Peale.     Society  Islands. 

549.  Carpophaga  AVilkcsii.     Peale.     Society  Islands. 

550.  Carpophaga  latrons.     Peale.     Feejee  Islands. 

551.  Carpophaga  bicolor.     (Scopoli.)    Sooloo  Islands. 

Carpophaga  casta.     Peale. 

552.  Carpophaga  microcora.     (Bonaparte.)    Samoan  Islands. 

553.  Lopholaimus  antarcticus.     (Shaw.)     Australia. 

554.  Phaps  chalcoptera.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

555.  Phaps  picata.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

556.  Peristcra  erythroptera.     (Gmelin.)     Paumotu  Islands. 

Peristera  peotoralis.     Peale. 

557.  Peristera  Geoffroyi.     (Temminck.)    Brazil. 

558.  Geope  ia  humeralis.     (Temminck.)     Australia. 

559.  Chalcophaps  indica.     (Linnaeus.)    (Obtained  ut  Malacca.) 
660,  Chalcophaps  chrysochlora.     (Wagler.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

561.  Ectopistes  carolinensis.     (Linnaeus.)     Oregon. 

562.  Turtur  chinensis.     (Scopoli.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

563.  Chamoepelia  amazilia.     Bonaparte.     Peru. 

564.  Chamaepelia  meridionalis.     (King.)    Patagonia. 

565.  Calaenas  nicobarica.     (Shaw.)    Sooloo  Islands. 

666.  Treron  vernans.     (Linnaeus.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

567.  Treron  Capellei.     (Temminck.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

568.  Treron  olaz.     (Temminck.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
669.  Ptilinopus  jambu.     (Gmelin.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 
570.  Ptilinopus  Swainsonii.     Gould.     Australia. 

671.  Ptilinopus  fasciatus.     Peale.     Samoan  Islands. 

672.  Ptilinopus  Perousei.     Peale.     Feejee  Islands. 


.  \ 


CATALOGUE    OF    BIRDS. 

fi78.   I'tiliiiopuH  coralcnHis.     Pealo.     Pitumotu  lolandii. 
574.  I'tiliiiopuN  purpurntus,     (Omolin.)    Hoviety  Iilaads. 

I'tilinupuH  furcutua.     Peulo. 

Culuinba  tuitoriHis.     lieRsor. 
576.  PleiuduH  8tri);iro8tria.     (Jurdine.)    Sunioan  blandi. 

Didunuulu!)  Htrigirostrii.     Peulo.'" 


IV.  Order  GRALLAT0RE8. 


447 


576.  Orufl  I'anadonsiB.     (Linnaeus.)     Oregon. 

577.  Grus  uuHtrulasianus.     Qould.     Australia. 

578.  Ardeii  Herodias.     Linnaeus.     Oregon. 

57il.  Ardea  novae-hollandiae.     Latham.     Australia. 

5H0.  Ardea  jugularis.     Forster.     Society  and  Friendly  Islands.  • 

581.  Ardea  Greyi.     Gould.     Society  and  Friendly  Islands. 

582.  Ardetta  stngnalis.     (Gould,)     Society  Islands. 

Ardea  patnielis.     Peale. 
68.S.  Ardetta  sinensis.     (Gmolin.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

584.  Ardetta  macrorbynoha.     Gould.     Australia. 

585.  Egrctta  thula.     (Molina.)     Peru. 

58G.  Egretta  immaoulata.     (Gould.)     Australia. 

587.  Nycticora.x  cyanocephalus.     (Molina.)     Chili. 

588.  Nycticora.x  oaledonicus.     (Gniclin.)     Australia. 

589.  Mycteria  americana.     Linnaeus.     Brazil. 

500.  Platalea  flaviceps.     Gould.     Australia. 

501.  Platalea  regia.     Gould.     Australia. 

502.  Ibi.s  Ordii.     Bonaparte.     Oregon. 
593.  Ibis  guurauna.     (Linnaeus.)     Chili. 

Ibis  brevirostris.     Peale. 
504.  freronticus  spinicollis.     (Jameson.)    Australia. 

595.  Threskiornis  strictipennis.     (Gould.)     Australia. 

596.  Kullus  philippensis.     Linnaeus.     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

507.  Rullus  pcctornlis.     Cuvior.     Australia.  , 

598.  Kallus  sanguiiiolentus.     Swainson.     Tierra  del  Fuego. 

Kullus  luridus.     Peale. 

599.  Corethrura  fusca.     (Linnaeus.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

600.  (Vrethrura  ftisoluta.     (Raffles.)     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

•  Genus  Di<luiiciilus.     Penic,  Zool.  U.  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  308  (Ut  edition,  1848). 

"Bill  large,  compressed,  hooked,  the  culinen  forming  a  segment  of  about  one-tliird  part  of  a  circle; 
margins  of  the  upper  mandible  waved,  conlmcted  in  the  middle,  and  very  sharp;  lower  mandible 
large,  closing  outside  of  the  upper,  double  notched,  truncated  at  the  extremity,  the  margins  sharp ; 
Konys  prominent  and  rounde<l ;  nares  lateral,  oval,  opening  downwards,  and  surrounded  by  a  naked 
i.'ere;  tongue  fleshy,  and  having  a  rounded,  corneous  point;  wings  short,  rounded;  spurious  wings 
large;  tail  short,  nearly  square;  legs  large,  muscular,  covered  with  a  soft  skin;  toes  protected  by 
scales;  nails  strong,  curved,  the  middle  ones  expanded  to  a  sharp  cutting  edge  inside."  Peale,  as 
above. 


448 


CATALOGUE    OP    BIRDS. 


601.  Aramides  cayennensis.     (Gmeliit.'*    Brazil. 

602.  Zapornia  umbHna.     CaBsin.     Feejee  Islands. 

603.  Fulica  alai.     Pcale.    Sandwich  Islands. 

604.  Oedicnemus  grallarius.     (Latham.)    Australia. 

605.  Esacus  magnirostris.     (Temminck.  i     Philippine  Islands. 

606.  Himantopus  leucocephalus.     Gould.     Australia. 

607.  Recurvirostra  rubricollis.     Temininck.     Australia. 

608.  Parrajacana.     Linnaeus.     Brazil. 

609.  Nunienius  longirostris.     Wilson.     Oregon. 

610.  Nuraenius  hudsonicus.     Latham.     Peru. 

611.  Numenius  femoralis.     Peale.     Paumotu  Islands. 

612.  Limosa  novae-zealandiae.     G.  R.  Gray.     Samoan  Islands. 

Limosa  Foxii.     Peale. 

613.  Gallinago  paraguayae.     (Vieillot.)     Brazil. 

614.  Gallinago  raagellanica.     (King.)     Tierra  del  Fucgo. 

615.  Gallinago  stenura.     (Teraminck.)     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

Scolopax  pectenicauda.     Peale. 

616.  Scolopax  aucklandica.     G.  11.  Gray.     Auckland  Islands. 

Scolopax  Holmesii.     Peale. 

617.  Scolopax  meridionalls.     Peale.     Tierra  del  Fuego.  . 

618.  Scolopax  australis.     Latham.     Australia. 

619.  Rhynchoea  seiuicollaris.     (Vieillot.)     Chili. 

620.  Gallinula  phoenicura.     (Pennant.)     (Obtained  at  3Ialacca.) 

621.  Porphyrio  niclanotus.     Temminck.     Australia. 

622.  Porphyrio  indicus.     Ilorsfield.     Samoan  Islands. 

Porphyrio  san;oensis.     Peale. 

623.  Porphyrio  vitien.sis.     Peale.     Feejee  Islands. 

624.  Charadrius  longipes.     Temminck,     (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

625.  Charadrius  xanthocheilus.     Wagler.     Samoan  Islands. 

626.  Charadrius  fulvus.     Gmelin  ?     Sandwich  Islands. 

627.  Squatarola  helvetica.     (Linnaeus.)     California. 

628.  Hi..ticula  vocifera.     (Linnaeus.)     Peru. 

629.  Hiaticula  falklanuico.     (Latham.)     Patagonia. 
OaO.  Hiaticula  fusca.     (Gould.)     Tierra  del  Fuego. 

631.  Hiaticula  melanops.     (Vieillot.)     Australia. 

632.  Vanellus  coyunensis.     (Gmelin.)     Chill. 

633.  Vanellus  lobatus.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

634.  Sarciophorus  pectoralis.     (Gould.)     Australia. 

Charadrius  vanelloidcs.     Peale. 

635.  TotJinus  glareola.     (Linnaeus.)     (Obtained  .;t  Malacca.) 

630.  Totanus  occanicus.     Lesson.     Feej.'e  and  Society  Islands. 

Totunus  poiynesiae.     Peale. 
037.  Totanus  brevipes.     Vieillot.     Paumotu  Islands. 

638.  Tringu  austrnlis.     Jard.  and  Selby.     Australia. 

639.  'ivinpa  parvii-oetris.     I'eale.     I'aumotu  Islands. 

640.  Schoenicl'is  uustralis.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

641.  Streps''       .ilurprcs.     liiiinaeus.     Peru. 


„     \ 


CATALOGUE    OF    BIRDS. 


449 


642.  Phalaropus  hyperboreus.     (Linnaeus.)     Oregon. 

643.  Haematopus  palliatus.     Teniniinck.     Peru. 

644.  Haematopus  niger.     Cuvier.     Tierra  del  Fuego. 

645.  Haematopus  Bachmanii.     Audubon.     Oregon. 


V.  Order  NATATORES. 


640.  Phoenioopterus  ignipalliatus.     Geoff,  and  D'Orb.     Chili. 

647.  0ygnu8  atratus.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

648.  Anser  albatus.     Cassin.     California. 

649.  Anser  Gambelii.     Hartl.uh.     California. 

650.  Bernicla  antarctiea.     (Gnielin.)     Tierru  del  Fuego. 

651.  Bernicla  magellanioa.     (Graelin.)     Tierra  del  Fuego.    x 

652.  Bernicla  melanoptera.     (Eyton )     Chili.  *    ' 

653.  Bernicla  inornata.     (King.)     Tierra  del  Fuego. 

654.  Bernicla  gandwichensis.     (Vigors.)     Sandwich  lulnnds. 

Anser  Hauaiensis.     Peale.* 

655.  Bernicla  jubata.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

656.  Nettapus  albipennis.     Gould.     Australia. 

657.  Anas  boschas.     Linnaeus.     Oregon.  ^ 

658.  Anas  superciliosa.     Gmelin.     Australia. 

659.  Dafila  bahamensis.     (Linnaeus.)     (Locality  unknown.) 

660.  Mareca  amcricana.     (Gmelin.)     Oregon. 

661.  Querquedula  ipecutri.     (Vioillot.)     Brazil. 

662.  Querquedula  carolinensis.     (Graelin.)     Oregon. 
603.  Querquedula  creccoides.     (King)     Tierra  del  Fuego. 
664.  Querquedula  chalooptera.     (Kittlitz.)     Tierra  del  Fuego. 

605.  Spatula  rynchotis.     (Latham.)     Australia. 

606.  Spatula  clypeata.     (Linnaeus.)     Oregon, 

667.  Dendrocygna  .ircuata.     (Cuvier.)    (Obtained  at  Malacca.) 

608.  Dendrocygna  viduatn,     (Linnaeus.)     Brazil. 

609.  Fuligula  collaris.     (Donovan.)     Oregon. 

670.  Oideuiia  perspicillata.     (Linnaeus.)     Oregon. 

671.  Oidemia  carbo.     (Pallas)     Oregon. 

672.  Casarka  tadornoides,     (Jurd.  and  Selby.)     Australia. 

*  "The  general  asprct  i»  somewlint  that  of  the  Chinese  goose,  but  it  is  not  more  than  hair  iti  size  ; 
and  its  long  le^s  t;ivu  it  more  the  ii|)|>eiirBnce  of  some  of  the  'Bustard'  or  upland  geese  ofCniw  Horn. 

"Bill  small,  binck  ;  throat,  homl,  iiml  buck  of  the  neck  black;  sides  of  the  neck  tawny  j  breast,  belly, 
and  flanks  |)hIu  brown;  the  ftMithfr^s  lifiiig  cinereous  at  the  roots, and  having  a  pale,  shaded  umber  bar 
near  the  tipi  vent  and  under  tnilcoverts  white;  back  dark  umber,  the  feathers  edged  with  brown; 
rump  nearly  black;  upper  tail-coverts  while;  tail  black;  legs  dusky;  toes  lung,  semi-palmate;  the 
nails  slender,  the  midille  ono'sharp  on  the  inner  edge;   irides  brown. 

"Total  length,  twenty-two  ami  a  liiilf  inches;  bill,  one  and  six-lenths  inches;  along  the  cominissure, 
one  and  thiiteen-twenli'Mli.x  inches;  tiir>i,  two  and  eight-tenths  inches;  middle  toe,  three  and  one-tenth 
inches;  nail,  tlilrlcen-iweutieths  of  an  inch;  hind  toe,  nine-tenths  uf  an  iuuli."  Pe^le,  Zool.  U.  8. 
Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  JIU. 

Iff 


450 


CATALOGUE    OP    BIRDS. 


673.  Erianiatura  australis.     Eyton.     Australia. 

674.  Micropterus  ciiiereus.     (Gmelin.)     Tierra  del  Fucgo. 

675.  Mergus  cucullatus.     Linnaeus.     Oregon. 

676.  Podiceps  californicua.     Heennann.     Oregon. 

677.  Uria  coluniba.     (Pallas.)    Oregon. 

678.  Brachyraniphus  antiquus.     (Gmelin.)     Oregont 

679.  Fratercula  cirrhata.     (Gmelin.)     Oregon. 

680.  Ceratorliyncha  monocerata.     (Pallas.)     Oregon. 

681.  Aptenodytcs  patachonica.     Forster.     Antarctic  Ice. 

682.  Spheniscus  magcllanicus.     (Forster.)     Tierra  del  FuegO. 

683.  Spiieniscus  demersus.     (Linnaeus.)     Tierra  del  Fuego. 

Aptenodytes  magnirostris.     Peale. 

684.  EudyptcB  antipoda.     (Homb.  and  Jacq.)     Auckland  Islands. 

Aptenodytes  flavilnrvata.     Peale. 

685.  Eudyptes  Adeliae.     (Iloiub.  and  Jacq.)     Antarctic  Ice. 

Aptenodytes  lorigicaudata.     Peale. 

686.  Eudyptes  papua.     (Forster.)     Macquarie's  Island. 

Aptenodytes  taeniata.     Peale. 

687.  Eudyptes  minor.     (Fors'ter.)     New  Zealand. 

688.  Pelecanus  roseus.     Gmelin.     (Obtained  at  Singapore.) 

689.  Pelecanus  conspicillatus.     Temminck.     Au.stralia. 
6!)0.  Pelecanus  trachvrbvnchus.     Lathnni.     OreRon. 

691.  Pelecanus  fuscus.     Jiinnacus.     Oregon. 

692.  Tachypetes  aquila.     (Linnaeus.)     Patagonia. 

693.  Tachypetes  Palmerstonii.     (Gmelin.)     Honden  Island. 

694.  Carbo  magcllanicus.     ((jrmelin.)     Tierra  del  Fucg'». 

695.  Carbo  atriccps.     (King.)     Tierra  del  Fuego. 

696.  Carbo  Icucogaster.     ((iuuld.)     New  Zealand. 

697.  Carbo  brasilianus.     (Gmelin.)     Chili. 

698.  Carbo  Gaimardii.     (Garnot.)     Peru. 

699.  Carbo  hypoleucus.     Brandt.     New  Zealand. 

Carbo  fucosus.     I'eale. 

700.  Carbo  sulcirostris.     Brandt.     New  Zealand. 

Carbo  purpuragub.     Peale. 

701.  Carbo  brevirostris.     (Gould.)     New  Zealand. 

Carbo  flavagula.     Peale. 

702.  Plotus  novae-hollandiae.     Australia. 

703.  Sula  fusca.     Vieillot.     liellinghausen's  Island. 

704.  Sula  personata.     Gould.     Paumotu  Islands. 

705.  Sula  piscator.     (Linnaeus.)     Honden  Island. 

Sulu  rubripeda._     Peale. 

706.  Sula  fiber.     (Linnaeus  )     Enderby's  Island. 

707.  Lestris  antarcticus.     Ijcsson.     Tierra  del  Fuego. 

708.  Lestris.     Tierra  del  Fuego. 

709.  Lurus  domitiicanus.      liichtenstein.     Chili. 

710.  Larus  fuliginosus.     (lould.     Peru. 

711.  Larus  occidentalis.     Audubon.     Oregon. 


CATALOGUE    OP    BIRDS. 


451 


712.  Liirus  albipennis.    Peak.     Chili. 

713.  Larus  glaucotes.     Meyen.    Chili. 

714.  Sterna  pelecanoidea.     Vigors.     Patagonia. 

715.  Sterna  fuliginosa.    Gmelin.     Paumotu  Islands. 

716.  Sterna  lunata.     Peale.     Pauiuotu  Islands. 

717.  Sterna  gracilis.     Gould.     Paumotu  Inlands. 

718.  Sterna  poliocerca.     Gould.     Feejee  Islands. 

Sterna  rectirostris.     Peale. 

719.  Sterna  frontalis.     G.  R.  Gray.     New  Zealand. 

Sterna  albifrons.     Peule. 

720.  Sterna  uieridionalis.     Cassin.     Tierra  del  Fuego. 

Sterna  antarctica.     Peale. 

721.  Anous  stolidus.     (Linnaeus.) 

72*2.  Anous  leucocapillus.     Gould.     Paurnotu  Islands. 

723.  Anous  parvulus.     Gould.     Paumotu  Islands. 

Megalopterus  plumbeus.     Peale. 

724.  Inca  niysticalis.     Jardine.     Peru. 

725.  Gygis  alba.     (Sparrman.)     Paumotu  Islands. 

726.  Phaeton  aethereus.     Linnaeus.     Paumotu  Islands. 

727.  Phaeton  rubricauda.     Boddaert.     Sumoan  Islands. 

728.  llhyncops  nigra.     Linnaeus.     Peru. 

729.  Diomedea  exulans.     Linnaeus.     Pacific  Ocean. 

730.  Diomedea  chlororhyncha.     Gmelin.     Pacific  Ocean. 

731.  Diomedea  brachyura.     Temminck.     California. 

732.  Diomedea  fuliginosa.     Gmelin.     Pacific  Ocean. 

733.  Thalassidromu  furcata.     (Gmelin.)     Oregon. 

Thalassidroma  plumbea.     Peale. 

734.  Thalassidroma  lincata.     Peale.     Samoan  Islands. 

735.  Thalassidroma  AVilsonii.     Bonaparte.     Atlantic  Ocean. 
730.  Procellaria  Cookii.     G.  R.  Gray.     Antarctic  Ice. 

Procellaria  brcvicepa.     Peale. 

737    Procellaria  nivea.     Guielin.     Antarctic  Ice. 

Procellaria  Candida.     Peale.* 

738.  Procellaria  parvirostris.     Peale.     Paumotu  Islands. 

739.  Procellaria  rostrata.     Peale.     Society  Islands. 

740.  Procellaria  mollis.     Gould.     Antarctic  Ocean, 

Procellaria  gularis.     Peale. 

741.  Procellaria  gigautea.     Gmelin.    Gupe  Horn. 


•  "The  whole  phimagc,  including  llio  shafts  of  the  quilla  and  featliers,  pure  white,  covering  a 
pluiTiheoiis  down;  tall  slightly  rounded,  consisting  of  twelve  feathers;  the  under  coverts  even  with 
and  Bometimes  exceeding  the  tail  in  length;  bill  black,  compressed,  point  slender;  the  under  niandiliie 
ooinparatively  strong;  irides  brown;  feet  bluish  flesh-color;  nails  strong,  flattened,  the  inner  ones  very 
sharp  on  the  inner  edge;  first  quill  longest. 

"Total  length,  fourteen  niid  one-tenth  inches;  extent  of  the  wings,  thirty  inches;  tail,  four  and  three- 
tenths  inches;  bill,  to  the  iinglc  of  the  mouth,  one  and  four-tenths  inches;  along  the  culmen,  seveii- 
tenths  of  an  inch ;  tarsi,  one  and  foiirtenlhs  of  an  infh ;  iniddle  toe,  including  the  nail,  one  and  six- 
tenths  inches;  nail,  four-tonlhs  of  an  inch."     Pealo,  Zool.  IT,  S.  Exp.  Exp.  Birds,  p.  'i'.>0. 


452 


CATALOGUE    OF    BIRDS. 


742.  Prooellaria  capenais.     Linnaeus.     Cape  Horn. 

743.  Procellaria  glacialis.     Linnaeus.     Oregon. 

744.  Procellaria  glacialoides.     A.  Smitli.     Atlantic  Ocean. 

745.  Procellaria  antarctica.     Gmelin.     Antarctic  Ocean. 

746.  Procellaria  Lesson  ii.     Garnot.     Tierra  del  Fuego. 

747.  Puffinus  major.     Faber.    Tierra  del  Fuego. 

748.  Puffinuria  Garnotii.     Lesson.     Peru. 


INDEX. 


Accipiiar,  genus,  90. 

rufitorques,  90. 
acutipennis,  Chordeiles,  189. 
aeneus,  Scalops,  23. 
Agelaius,  genus,  127. 

gubernator,  127. 

tricolor,  128. 
alai,  Fulica,  306. 
albatus,  Anser,  333. 
Alcedo  albicilla,  226. 
Alcidae,  family,  346.    ; 
alcyon,  Ceryle,  191. 
amazilia,  Chamaepelia,  279. 
American  Antelope,  63. 

Avocet,  324. 

Badger,  15. 

Beaver,  33. 

Crossbill,  136. 

Elk,  55. 

Osprey,  96. 

Ostrich,  292. 

Vultures,  77. 

Widgeon,  342. 
aniericana,  Antilocapra,  63. 
-^  Loxia,  135. 

Rhea,  292. 
americanus.  Castor,  33. 
Cervus,  55. 
Meigus,  346. 
Marecu,  342. 
Ampclidao,  family,  160. 
Anas,  genus,  339. 
boschas,  340. 
supertiliosa,  330. 


Anatidae,  family,  332. 
Anna,  Aprosmictus,  236. 
Anous,  genus,  391. 

leucocapillus,  393. 
parvulus,  393. 
stolidus,  391. 
Anser,  genus,  333. 
albatus,  333. 
Gambelii,  334. 
Antelope,  American,  63. 
Antilocapra,  genus,  63. 

nmericana,  63. 
Antrostomus,  genus,  187. 

Nuttallii,  187. 
ocellatus,  187. 
Aplodontia,  genus,  36. 

leporina,  36. 
Aplonis,  genus,  125. 

brevirostris,  125. 
marginata,  125. 
Aprosmictus,  genus,  234. 
Anna,  236. 
personatus,  238. 
splcndens,  237. 
tabuensis,  234. 
Aptenodytcs,  genus,  349. 

patachonica,  349. 
Arctomuridae,  family,  35. 
Arctomys,  genus,  35. 
monax,  36. 
Ardea,  genus,  296. 

herodias,  298. 

•    jugularis,  296. 

Btagnalis,  297. 


tu 


454 


INDEX. 


Ardea,  virescens,  299. 
Ardeidae,  family,  294. 
Argus,  genus,  292. 

giganteus,  292. 
Artamus,  genus,  140. 

leucorhynobus,  140. 
mentalis,  141. 
Arvicola,  genus,  44. 

californicus,  45. 
montanua,  47- 
occidentalis,  44. 
Athene,  genus,  109. 

cunicularia,  109. 
grallaria.  111. 
hypugoea,  109. 
novae  zealandiae,  112. 
stratus,  Cathartes,  74,  85. 
atriceps,  Carbo,  371. 
Auohenia,  genus,  65. 
lama,  65. 
aura,  Cathartes,  73,  82. 
aurorae,  Carpophaga,  256. 
aurispinosus,  Molossus,  5. 
australis,  Coriphilus,  241. 
Polyborus,  101. 
Aves,  class,  69. 

Badger,  Ameriuan,  15. 
Bats,  family  of,  3. 
Beavers,  family  of,  33. 
Beaver,  American,  33. 
Bernicla,  gunus,  335. 

antarctica,  336. 

canadensis,  335. 

Hutchinsii,  336. 

inurnata,  337. 

magellanica,  337. 

sandwichensis,  338. 
bicolor,  Carpophaga,  267. 
Birds,  class  of,  69. 
Black-tailed  Deer,  59. 
boschas,  Ana.s,  340. 
Bos,  genus,  64. 

bubalis,  64. 
BotauruB,  genus,  300. 

exilis,  ?  300. 


Botaurus,  lentiginosus,  301. 
Brachyotus,  genus,  107. 

Cassinii,  107. 

galapagoensis,  107. 
Brachyramphus,  genus,  348. 

antiquus,  348. 
brachyura,  Diomedea,  398. 
brevipes.  Tetanus,  319. 
brevirostris,  Aplonis,  125. 
bubalis,  Bos,  64.  ' 
Burrough's  Vulture,  84. 
Burrowing  Owls,  109. 
Buteo,  genus,  92. 
varius,  92. 
ventralis,  94. 

Cacatua,  genus,  233. 

philippinarum,  233. 
Calacnas,  genus,  276. 

nicobarica,  276. 
californicus,  Cathartes,  72,  80. 
vespertilio,  3. 
ArvJcoIa,  45. 
Callipepla,  genus,  286. 

californica,  286. 
picta,  287.        • 
Calornis,  genus,  124. 

corvina,  124.    , 
Carbo,  genus,  370. 
atriceps,  371. 
brevirostris,  375. 
Gaimardii,  376. 
hypoleucus,  372. 
leucogaster,  373. 
magellanicus,  370. 
sulcirostris,  374. 
Carpophaga,  genus,  255. 

aurorae,  256. 
^  bicolor,  265. 

f  latrans,  261. 

microcera,  263, 
novae  zealundiae,  255. 
Pipkeringii,  267. 
Wilkesii,  258. 
Carpodacus,  genus,  134. 

familiaris,  134. 


INDEX. 


455 


oarunculata,  Ptilotis,  178. 
castaneocepa,  Columba,  252. 
Castoridae,  family,  33. 
Castor,  genus,  33. 

umericanus,  33. 
Cathartes,  genus,  72,  80. 
aura,  73,  82. 
atratu!!,  74,  85. 
brasiliensis,  75,  86. 
BurroviunuB,  84. 
oalifornianus,  72,  80. 
jota,  73,  83. 
urbicola,  81, 
Cavia,  genus,  53. 

porcellus,  53. 
Centropus,  genus,  249. 

melanops,  249. 
Ceratorhyncha,  genus,  349. 

monocerata,  349. 
Cervidae,  family,  55. 
Cervus,  genus,  55. 

amerioanus,  55, 
Lewisii,  59. 
macrotis,  57. 
virginianus,  61. 
Ceryle,  genus,  191. 
alcyon,  191. 
Cctpcea,  order,  26. 
Cbaruaepelia,  genus,  279. 

amazilia,  279. 
Charadriadae,  family,  325. 
Charadrius,  genus,  825. 

xanthocbeilus,  325. 
cb'iris,  Todiramphus,  203. 
'  nordciles,  genus,  189. 

acutipennis,  189. 
chrysoceps,  Tyrannula,  154. 
Ciccaba,  genus,  106. 

melanonota,  106. 
oinerea,  Cullocalia,  183. 
cinnamominus,  Todiramphus,  220. 
Circus,  genus,  101. 

assimilis,  101. 
hudsonicus,  102. 
coccinea,  Drepanis,  177. 
Coccyzus,  genus,  247. 


Coccyzus,  minor,  247. 
Colaptes,  genus,  243. 

mexicanus,  243. 
Collocalia,  genus,  183. 
oinerea,  183. 
spodiopygia,  184. 
Colluricinola,  genus,  142. 

harmonica,  142. 
Columbidae,  family,  251. 
Columba,  genus,  251. 

araucana,  254. 
castaneooeps,  252. 
fasciata,  254. 
vitiensis,  251. 
Colymbidae,  family,  346, 
Condor,  69,  77. 
Conirostres,  tribe,  114, 
Coriphilus,  genus,  240. 
austral  is,  241. 
cyaneus,  240. 
solitarius,  240. 
Corvus,  genus,  114. 

americanus,  114, 
oarnivorus,  114. 
coroneoidcs,  115, 
hawaiiensis,  119. 
ruficoUis,  116. 
ossifragus,  115. 
Cotnrnix,  genus,  288. 

communis,  288, 
Coyote,  19, 

Cuculidae,  family,  244. 
Cuculus,  genus,  244. 
simus,  245. 
tenuirostris,  244. 
cunicularia,  Athene,  109. 
cyaneus,  Coriphilus,  240. 
cyaniceps,  Muscipeta,  145. 
Cyanocitta,  genus,  122. 

californica,  122. 
Cyanocorax,  genus,  122. 
Stelleri,  122. 
cyanogastra,  Irena,  143. 
Cystophora,  ?  26. 

Dafila,  genus,  341. 


^H   . 


466 

Dafila  acuta,  341. 

bahameiisis,  341. 
DosypuB,  genus,  64. 

minutus,  54. 
Deers,  55. 

Delphinidae,  family,  26. 
Delphinus,  genus,  26. 

albimanus,  29. 
obscunis,  26. 
pectoralis,  28. 
Diomedia,  genus,  397. 

brachyura,  398  > 
exulans,  397. 
diuca,  Euspiza,  135. 
Dolichotis,  genus,  52. 

patachonica,  52. 
Doves,  251. 
Dolphins,  26. 
Drepanis,  genus,  177. 

coccinea,  177. 
Drymomys,  genus,  43. 
parvulus,  43. 

Ectopistes,  genus,  278. 

carolinensis,  278. 
Egrctta,  genus,  299. 

candidissiiua,  299. 
galatea,  299. 
thula,  299. 
Elk,  American,  55. 
Eopsaltria,  genus,  160. 

albifrons,  163. 
flavifrons,  160. 
icteroides,  161. 
erythroptera,  Peristera,  277. 
erythrorhynchus,  Pelecanus,  355. 
Erythrura,  genus,  137. 

cyanovirens,  137. 
Pealeii,  138: 
Estrelda,  genus,  134. 

astrilda,  134. 
Esacus,  genus,  329. 

magnirostris,  329. 
Eudynamys,  genus,  248. 

orientalis,  249. 
taitcnsis,  249. 


INDEX. 


Eudyptes,  genus,  350. 
Adeliae,  352. 
antipoda,  851. 
papua,  350. 
Eurystomus,  genus,  228. 

orientalis,  228. 
Euscartbmus,  genus,  156. 

parulus,  156. 
Euspiza,  genus,  135. 
diuca,  135. 
exulans,  Mus,  38. 

Diomedea,  897. 

Falconidae,  family,  88. 
Falco,  genus,  88. 

polyagrus,  88. 
falklandica,  Merula,  157. 
fasciattts,  Ptilinopus,  271. 
femoralis,  Numenius,  316. 
Ferae,  order,  13. 
fiber,  Sula,  363. 
Fiber,  genus,  84. 

zibethicus,  34. 
Fissirostres,  181. 
Fluvicola,  genus,  154. 

cyaniroatria,  154. 
Foxes,  the,  21. 
Fox,  the  gray,  21. 
the  swift,  21. 
fossor,  Sciurus,  49. 
flavifrons,  Eopsaltria,  160. 
Fratercula,  genus,  348. 

cirrhata,  348. 
Fulica,  genus,  306. 
alai,  306. 
americana,  307. 
Fuligula,  genus,  343. 
niarila,  343. 
rufitorques,  343. 
fusca,  Hiaticula,  328. 
fuscus,  Pelicanus,  356. 

Gaimardii,  Carbo,  376. 
galapagoensis,  Brachyotus,  107. 
Gallinago,  genus,  312. 

magellanica,  312. 


INDEX. 


467 


Gallinago,  paraguayae,  812. 

stenura,  813. 
ObHub,  genua,  289. 

Bankiva,  '289. 

tahiticus,  290. 
Gambelii,  Anser,  834. 
giganteus,  Argus,  292. 
Glires,  order,  33. 
grallaria,  Athene,  111. 
Grallatores,  order,  294. 
Gray  Fox,  21. 
Grizzly  Bear,  13. 
Grus,  genus,  294.  ' 

canadensis,  294. 
Gurney,  Esq.,  J.  H.,  on  Pleiodus  strigiros- 

tris,  282. 
Gygis,  genus,  389. 

alba,  389. 

Haematopus,  genus,  330. 

Bachmanii,  331. 
niger,  330. 
paliiatus,  330. 
Haliactus,  genus,  95. 

leucocephalus,  95. 
Hnlcyonidae,  family,  191. 
Halcyon  varia,  223. 
Haliastur,  genus,  98. 
indus,  98. 
Harpactes,  genus,  229. 
ardens,  229. 
helvetica,  Squatarola,  826. 
Heniignathus,  genus,  178. 
lucidus,  180. 
obscurus,  178. 
olivaceus,  170. 
Hesperomys,  genus,  42. 

leucopus,  42. 
Hiaticula,  genus,  327. 

falklandica,  327. 
fusca,  328. 
vocifera,  327. 
Himantopus,  genus,  825. 

nigricollis,  325. 
Hirundinidae,  family,  181. 
horribilis,  Ursus,  13. 


hyperboreus,  Phalaropus,  323. 
Hystrlcidae,  family,  51. 
Hystrix,  genus,  51. 
dorsata,  51. 

Ibis,  genus,  301. 

guarauna,  302. 

Ordii,  301. 
ictcruidcs,  Eopsaltria,  161. 
leracidea,  genus,  89. 

novae  zealandiae,  89. 
Inca,  genus,  391. 

mysticalis,  391. 
indicus,  Porphyrio,  308. 
Ingae,  Thinocorus,  288. 
inornata,  Bernicla,  837. 
Insessores,  tribe,  114. 
Irena,  genus,  143. 

cyanogaster,  143. 

jacarina,  Yolatinia,  185. 
jota,  Cathartes,  7ii,  83. 
jugularis,  Myzomela,  177. 
Ardea,  296. 

labradoria,  Meles,  15. 
Lagenorhynchus,  genus,  81. 

coeruieoalbus,  31. 
Lagotis,  genus,  53. 

pallipes,  53. 
Lalage,  genus,  143. 
terat,  143. 
Laridae,  family,  877.      : 
Larus,  genus,  377. 

albipennis,  379. 
dominicanus,  377. 
fuliginosus,  378. 
glaucotes,  381. 
occidentalis,  377. 
i  Llaraa,  65. 
leporina,  Aplodontia,  36. 
Leptornis,  genus,  172. 

samoensis,  172. 
leucocapillus,  Anous,  393. 
Leucocerca,  genus,  165. 

Lessoni,  165. 
U6 


458 


INDEX. 


Lewisii,  CervuR,  59. 
Idmosa,  genus,  814. 

fedoa,  314. 

novae  zelandiae,  814. 
Lobodon,  genus,  25. 

oarcinophaga,  25. 
Lozia,  genus,  185. 

aniericana,  185. 
luoidus,  HemignathuB,  180. 
lunata,  Sterna,  382. 
Lupus,  genus,  16. 

gigas,  16. 

occidentalis,  18. 

ochropus,  19. 

Macklotii,  Pteropus,  11. 
Mammalia,  class,  3. 
Mareca,  genus,  342. 

amcricana,  342. 
melanops,  Gentropus,  249. 
Melancrpes,  genus,  242. 
ruber,  242. 
torquutus,  242. 
Meles,  genus,  15. 

labradoria,  15. 
meridionulis,  Nestor,  234. 
Sterna,  385. 
Sootopax,  310. 
Mergus,  genus,  345. 

americanus,  345. 
eucullatus,  346. 
Merops,  genus,  228. 

philippinus,  228. 
Merula,  genus,  157. 

fulklandica,  157. 
luigratoria,  157. 
vanikurensis,  157. 
Microscelis,  genus,  159. 
tristis,  159. 
Milvago,  genus,  99. 

cliiniachina,  99. 
chiinango,  99. 
militaris,  Sturnella,  130. 
minor,  Coccyzus,  247. 
Molio,  genus,  168. 

angustiplunia,  168. 


Moho,  nobilis,  170. 
Moles,  28. 

mollis,  Procellaria,  410. 
MolusHUs,  genus,  5. 

aurispinosus,  5. 
Monarcha,  genus,  146. 
nigra,  146. 
monocerata,  Ccratorhyncha,  349. 
Mule  Deer,  57. 
Mus,  genus,  37. 

decumanus,  37. 
exulans,  38. 
musculus,  42. 
vitiensis,  40. 
Musk-rat,  84. 
Muscicapidae,  family,  148. 
Muscipeta,  genus,  144. 

cyaniceps,  145. 
ru(a,  144. 
musculus,  Mus,  42. 
mysticalis,  Inca,  391. 
Myiagra,  genus,  148. 

rubecula,  149. 
vanikorensis,  148. 
Myzomela  genus,  175. 

jugularis,  177. 
nigriventris,  176. 

Natatores,  order,  332. 
Nestor,  genus,  234. 

meridionalis,  234. 
novae  zealandiae,  Athene,  112. 

Carpophaga,  255. 
leraoidea,  89. 
Limosa,  314. 
Prosthemadera,  175. 
Numenius,  genus,  315. 

femoralis,  816. 
hudsonicus,  315. 
longirostris,  315. 
Nuttallii,  Antrostomus,  187. 
Nyctibius,  genus,  190. 

aethcreus,  190. 
Nycticorax,  genus,  300. 
Gardeni,  300. 

Oidemia,  genus,  344. 


INDEX. 


459 


Oidemia,  carbo,  344. 

p«rspioilluta,  S44. 
Ornithology,  07. 
Ordii,  Ibis,  301. 
Osprey,  9tf. 
OwU,  103. 

Pandioii,  genua,  06. 

carolineriHis,  06. 
haliaetuB,  06. 
palliatus,  Haematopus,  330. 
papa,  Sarfioramphus,  71,  78. 
papua,  Eudyptes,  350. 
paraguayne,  Scolopax,  312. 
Parrots,  230. 

parulus,  Euscarthmus,  156. 
Passer,  genus,  131. 

jagoensis,  131. 
Passerculus,  genus,  132. 

alaudinus,  132. 
Pavonidae,  family,  280. 
Peale,  3Ir.  Titian  R.,  on 
Accipiter  ru6torques,  02. 
Anas  boschas,  340.  n 

supcrciliosus,  339. 
Anous  Itiucocnpillus,  393. 
parvulus,  304. 
stolidus,  392. 
Anser  albatus,  334. 

Ganibelii,  335. 
Aplonis  brevirostris,  127. 

niarginata,  126. 
Aplodontia  leporina,  36. 
Aprosmictus  pcrsonatus,  289. 
gplendens,  238. 
tabuensis,  285. 
Aptenodytes  patachonica,  350, 
Ardea  jujiularis,  207. 
stagnalis,  208. 
Artamus  mentalis,  141. 
Arvicola  califurnicus,  47. 

niontanus,  47. 
Athene  cunicularia,  110. 
grallaria.  111. 
hypugoea,  100. 
novae  zealandiae,  112. 


Pcnlo,  Mr.  Titian  R.,  on 
liernicla  canadensis,  835. 
Hutchinsii,  3S6. 
sandwichensis,  338. 
Botaurus  exilis  (?),  301. 
Brachyotus  Cassinii,  108. 

galapagoensis,  108. 
Calaenns  nicobarica,  277. 
Callipepla  oalifornica,  286. 

picta,  2S7. 
Calornis  corvinus,  125. 
Carbo  brevirostris,  375. 
sulcirostris,  374. 
Garpophaga  aurorae,  257. 
bioolor,  267. 
latrans,  262. 
microcera,  263. 
novae  zealandiae,  255. 
Pickeringii,  268. 
Wilkesii,  260. 
Cathartes  atratus,  75. 
aura,  75. 
californianus,  73. 
Ceratorhyncha  monocerata,  349. 
Cervus  auiericanus,  55. 
Lewisii,  59. 
macrotis,  57. 
virginianus,  62. 
Chamaepelia  auiazilia,  270, 
Chordeiles  acutipennia,  100. 
Circus  assiroilis,  102. 
Coccyzus  minor,  247. 
Colaptes  mesicanus,  244. 
Columba  castaneiceps,  254. 

vitiensis,  252. 
CoUocalia  cinerea,  185. 

spodiopygia,  185. 
Corvus  carnivorus,  114. 
hawaiiensis,  120. 
ossifragus,  115. 
ruficollis,  118. 
Coturnix  communis,  288. 
Cuculus  simus,  245. 
Cyanocitta  californica,  122, 
Delphinus  albiinanus,  29. 
borealis,  30. 


s^. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGr  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


laiM    |2.5 

Ijo  ^^    !■■ 

■tt  Bii   |Z2 

JM  ug   mm 

^   U&    12.0 


iJ£ 


|||'-25  ||||i.4    1 1.6 

< 

6" 

► 

Photograpliic 

Sciences 

Corporalion 


23  WiST  MAIN  STRUT 

WIBSrit.N.Y.  MSM 

7)6)  •72-4503 


^ 


#^ 


>v 


\ 


\ 


^.> 


<* 


■<^ 


«^ 


^^t 


^^^ 

^ 


\ 


460 


INDEX. 


Peale,  Mr.  Titian  R.,  on 
Delphinos  obscnnu,  27. 

pectoralis,  27. 
Diumedea  brachyura,  899. 
Drepanis  oocoinea,  178. 
Drymomyg  parvulos,  43. 
Eopsaltria  albifroos,  163. 

flavifronB,  161. 

ioteroides,  162. 
Erythmia  ojanovirens,  138. 

Pealei,  189. 
Esacns  mBgniro8tris>  829. 
Eudynamys  orientalis)  249. 
Ettdyptes  Adeliae,  853. 
antipoda,  852. 
paptta,  350. 
EUTystomUB  orientalis,  228. 
EuBcarthmus  parulas,  157. 
Euspiza  dittoa,  186. 
Falco  polyagrus,  89. 
Fiber  aibethicus,  35> 
Fratercnia  oirrhata,  348. 
Fulica  alai,  807. 
Fuligula  rufitorques,  843. 
Oallinago  magellanica,  812. 
Gallns  tahiticuB,  290. 
GidB  canadensis,  294. 
Oygis  alba,  389. 
Haematopufl  Baohmanii,  881. 
niger,  830. 
palliatUB,  830. 
Harpactes  ardena,  229. 
Haliaetus  leucocephalaa,  96. 
Hemignathus  lucidna,  180. 
HesperoniyB  leucopuB,  48. 
Hiaticula  vocifera,  827. 
Hystrix  dorsata,  51. 
Ibis  guarauna,  303. 
leracidea  norae  lealandiae,  89. 
Lalage  terat,  144. 
LagenorhynchuB  coeruleoalbus,  32. 

lateralis,  32. 
Larus  alblpennis,  880. 
dominicanua,  877. 
fuliginoBUB,  878. 
glauootes,  881. 


Peale,  Mr.  Titian  B.,  on 
Leptomis  Bamoensis,  173. 
Lcucocerca  Lessoni,  166. 
Limosa  fedoa,  314. 

novae  zelam'.'e,  314. 
Lobodon  caroinopbaga,  26. 
Lupus  gigas,  16. 

ochropus,  20. 
Mareca  amerioana,  342. 
Melanerpes  torquatus,  242. 
Mergtts  cucullatus,  345. 
MerUla  falklandioa,  157. 

Tanikorensis,  158. 
Milvago  chimaebina,  09. 
cbimango,  100. 
MoloBsus  aurispinosus,  6. 
Monarcha  nigra,  147. 
Mobo  anguatipluma,  169. 

nobilis,  170. 
Mtts  decumanuB,  88. 
exulans,  38. 
musculus,  42. 
vitiensis,  40. 
Myiagra  rubocula,  150. 
Myzomela  nigrivontris,  176. 

jugularis,  177. 
Numenius  femoralis,  817. 

longirofltris,  815. 
Oidemia  carbo,  345. 

perBpicillata,  344. 
Pandion  carolinensis,  96. 
Passer  jagoensts,  131. 
PasservuluB  alaudinuB,  182. 
Peristera  erythroptera,  278. 
PelicanuB  erythrorhynobus,  356. 
fuBous,  356. 
roseus,  858. 
PerognathuB  parvus,  48. 
Petrocbelidon  cyanoleuca,  183. 
Petrocbelidon  fulva,  181. 
Petroica  pusilla,  165. 
Pica  Nuttallii,  121. 
Pipilo  oregona,  140. 
Pbaeton  aetherens,  398. 
rubrioauda,  896. 
PhalaropuB  hypeiU>reu4,  328. 


m 


INDEX. 


461 


Peale,  Mr.  Titian  R.,  on 
Phrygilus  alaudinus,  137. 
Pleiodas  strigirostri!),  28C. 
I-ol^borus  australLs,  lUl. 
i?orphyrio  indicus,  308. 
viticnsis,  809. 
Procellaria  Coopii,  414. 
mollis,  410. 
nivea,  415. 
parviroBtris,  411. 
Tostrata,  413. 
Psaraoolius  curacus,  129. 
Pteropus,  genus,  11. 

Kerandrenius,  10. 
Macklotii,  11. 
Samoensis,  9. 
Ptilinopus  coralcnsis,  274. 
faaciatus,  272. 
Perousei,  275. 
parpuratus,  270. 
Ptilotus  carunculatus,  174. 
Querquedula  carolinensis,  342. 
Rallus  pectoralis,  304. 
Becurvirostra  americana,  824. 
Rhipidura  aibisoapa,  150. 
nebulosa,  152. 
Saroiophorus  tricolor,  329. 
Saxicola  oenanthe,  163. 
Scalops  Townsendii,  25. 
Sciurus  fossor,  50. 
Scolecophagua  uiexioanus,  128. 
Soolopax  aucklandica,  312. 
meridionalig,  311. 
Sialia  arctioa,  164. 
Spatula  clypeata,  343. 
Spheniscus  magelianious,  854. 

minor,  355. 
Spermophila  telasco,  134. 
Stenopsis  longirostris,  188. 

parvulus,  189. 
Sterna  frontalis,  882. 
fuliginosa,  886. 
lunata,  384. 
mcridionalis,  386. 
poliooorea,  884. 
Strepsilus  interpres,  823. 


Pcale,  Mr.  Titian  R.,  on 
Strix  delicatula,  105. 
Sturnella  militaris,  130. 
neglecta,  180. 
Sula  fiber,  363. 

personata,  868. 
pisoator,  866. 
Tacbypetes  Palmerstoni,  860. 
Tatare  otaitiensis,  159. 
Tetrao  obscurus,  284. 
umbellus,  288. 
uropbasianus,  285. 
Tbalassidroma  furcata,  406. 
lineata,  404. 
'    Tbinocorus  Ingae,  289. 
Todiramphus  divinus,  200. 

recurrirostris,  199. 
tuta,  195. 
vagans,  197. 
Titiensis,  196. 
Tringa  parvirostris,  322. 
Uria  columba,  847. 
Ursus  borribilia,  14, 
varius,  Buteo,  92. 
ventralis,  Buteo,  94. 
Vespertilio  californicus,  3. 
eemicaudatus,  4. 
(unknown  species),  5, 
Volatinia  jacarina,  135. 
Vulpes  velox,  22. 

virginianus,  21. 
Zapornia  umbrina,  305. 
Zonotrichia  pileata,  132. 
Zosterops  flaviceps,  168. 

pectoralis,  Rallus,  303. 
Pelecanidae,  family,  855. 
Pelecanus,  genus,  355. 

fuscus,  356. 

erythrorbynchns,  355. 

roseus,  357. 
Perisorcus,  genus,  128. 

canadensis,  128. 
Peristera,  genus,  277. 

erythroptera,  277. 
perlata,  Strix,  103. 


116 


wnnnm. 


462 

Peiognathna  parros,  48. 
Petroohelidon,  genus,  181. 

oyanolenoa,  188.,- 
Ailvit,  181. 
Petroioa  pusiila,  164. 
Phaeton,  genua,  894. 

aetherena,  894. 
rnbrioauda,  895. 
Phalaropus,  genua,  828. 

hyperboreufe,  828. 
Phrjrg^IuB,  genua,  186. 

alaudinua,  186. 
Phoenicopterna,  genua,  882. 
andinna,  888. 
obilenaia,  882. 
Pies,  genua,  121. 

Nuttallii,  121. 
Pickeringii,  Garpophaga,  267. 
Pioioorrua,  genua.  128. 

oolumbianua,  128. 
Pioidae,  family,  242. 

Pickering,  Oharlea,  M.D.,  on 
Anaa  boaohaa,  840. 
Anoua  atolidua,  892. 
Ansor  albatua,  884. 

Gambelii,  88S. 
Antilocapra  americana,  68. 
Aplodontia  leporina,  87. 
Argua  giganteua,  292. 
Ardea  viresoena,  299. 
Arotomya  monax,  35. 
Athene  grallaria,  112. 

novae  aealandiae)  118. 
Auchenia  llama,  65. 
Bate,  6. 

Berniola  sandwiohenaia,  889. 
Boa  bubalia,  64. 
Botaurus  lentigincaua,  801. 
Brachyramphua  antiquua,  848. 
Callipepla  oalifornioa,  286. 
Gttlornia  oorvina,  125. 
Carbo  Gaimardii,  876. 

magellanicua,  871. 
Garpophaga  latrana,  262. 

miorooeroa,  265. 


INDEX. 


Pickering,  Chariea,  M.D.,  on 
Garpophaga  novae  zoalandiae,  256. 
Gaator  amerioanus,  84. 
Gathartea  aura,  78. 

braailiensia,  76. 

californianua,  72. 

jota,  74. 
Gavia  poroellua,  53. 
Gervua  amerioanua,  56. 
Geryle  alcyon,  191. 
Gharadriua  zanthooheilua,  826. 
Goriphilua  australia,  241. 
Gorvua  americanua,  115. 
oamivoma,  114. 
Gyatophora  (f),  26. 
Dafila  acuta,  841. 
Daaypna  minutus,  54. 
DelphinapteruB  Peronii,  88. 
Diomedea.brachyura,  401. 

exulana,  897. 
Dolichotea  pataohonica,  62. 
Egretta  galatea,  300. 
Fratercula  cirrhata,  848. 
Fulioa  americana,  808. 
Fuligula  marila,  848. 
Grus  canadensis,  295. 
Gygis  alba,  890. 
Haliaetus  leucocephalus,  96. 
Haliastur  indua,  99. 
Harp)icte8  ardena,  229. 
Hiaticula  vocifera,  827. 
Himantornis  nigricoUb,  825. 
Ibia  Ordii,  802. 
Inca  mysticalis,  391. 
Lagotia  pallipes,  58. 
Larua  dominicanus,  877. 
Limosa  fedoa,  814. 
Lupua  oohroptts,  20. 
Melea  labradoria,  15. 
Mergus  amerioanua,  845. 
Meropidae,  family,  228. 
Meropa  philippinus,  229. 
Moho  angustipluma,  170. 

nobilia,  171. 
Neator  meridionalis,  284. 
Numeniua  loogiroatria,  315. 


w^    mt 


■T>  'V»- .?',if.pi,tl^«.^i  ,  1^^ 


INDEX. 


468 


Pickering,  Charles,  M.D.,  on 
Nyoticoraz  Garden!,  300. 
Pandion  carolinensis,  96. 

haliaetos,  97. 
Pelicanu?  erythrorbynchiu,  856. 
fuscus,  857. 
rosens,  858. 
Perisoreus  canadensis,  123. 
Phalaropus  hyperboreus,  824. 
Pliaeton  aethereus,  395. 

rubricauda,  395. 
Picicorrus  columbianis,  123. 
Podicepa  californicus,  846. 
Polyboms  thanis,  100. 
Procellaria  eapensis,  416. 
gigantea,  407. 
pacifica,  408. 
Prosthemadera  novae  zealandiae,  175. 
Pteropus  samoensis,  9. 
Qtierqu<HluIa  carolinensis,  342. 
Reourvirostra  occiden  talis,  324. 
Rhea  americana,  29. S. 
Rhipidura  albisoapa,  151. 
Sarooramphus  grjphus,  69. 

papa,  72. 
Sialia  mexioana,  164. 
Squatarola  helvetica,  326. 
Sterna  fuliginosa,  387. 

meridionalis,  386. 
Strepsilas  interpres,  323, 
Strutbus  oregonus,  133. 
Sturnella  negleota,  130. 
Sula  eapensis,  365. 
fiber,  364. 
personata,  369. 
piscntor,  367. 
Tachypetes  aquila,  358. 

Palmerstoni,  862. 
Tetrao  oanadenses,  285. 
obsourus,  284. 
phasianellus,  285. 
umbellus,  288. 
Thalassidroma  furoata,.405. 

Wilsonii,  402. 
Todiramphus  tuta,  194. 

vagans,  197. 


Pickering,  Charles,  M.D.,  on 
Totanus  maculariiu,  320. 

meUnoleuous,  820. 
Tyrannus  Saya,  158. 

vertioalis,  158. 
Uria  columba,  847. 
UrsuB  horribilis,  18. 
Vulpes  magellanious,  22. 

Picas,  genus,  243. 

Harrisii,  243. 
Pionus  cobaltinuB,  230. 
Pigeons,  251. 
Pipilo,  genus,  189. 

oregona,  139. 
Pipilopsia,  genus,  140. 

ruficeps,  140. 
piscator,  Sula,  865. 
Pleiodus,  genus,  279. 

strigirostris,  279. 
Podioeps,  genus,  346. 

californicus,  846. 
PoIyboruB,  genus,  100. 
australis,  101. 
tharus,  100. 
polyagrus,  Faico,  88. 
porcellus,  Gavia,  53. 
Porphyrio,  genus,  308. 

indious,  808. 

vitiensis,  809. 
Porpoises,  26. 
pratincola,  Strix,  104. 
Procellaria,  genus,  407. 

eapensis,  416. 

Cookii,  414. 

gigantea,  407. 

mollis,  410. 

nivea,  416. 

pacifica,  408. 

parvirostris,  411. 

rostrata,  412. 

tenuirostris,  409. 
Prosthemadera,  genus,  176. 

novae  sealandiae,  176. 
Psaracolius  ouraeus,  129. 
Psittaoidae,  family,  230. 


IMfl 


mmmmmmmmmimmmmimm 


mm 


m^mmm 


464 

Pteropos,  genus,  7. 
FteropuB  Kerandreoios,  10. 
Madklotii,  11. 
samoensis,  7. 
Ptilinopns,  genui,  260. 

ooralensia,  272. 
fasoutua,  271. 
Peronsei,  274. 
pnrpnratna,  260. 
Ptilotoa,  genua,  178. 

caninonkta,  178. 
Pjiooephalua,  genua,  164. 

obacaruB,  154. 

Qaadrnmana,  order,  8. 
Qtterquedola  oarolinenaia,  842. 

Ballidae,  family,  808. 
Rallas,  genua,  SOS. 

peotoralia,  808. 
aanguinolentua,  804. 
Bapaoioua  Birda,  60. 
Baptores,  order,  60. 
Basorea,  order,  251. 
Beounrirostra,  genus,  824. 

americana,  824. 
oooidentalia,  824. 
Bhea,  genus,  202. 

americana,  202. 
Bhipidura,  albisoapa,  150. 
nebuloaa,  151. 
Buffed  Grouse,  288. 

Sandhill  Crane,  294. 
Sarooramphua,  gei.ns,  60,  77. 
grjp^as,  60,  77. 
papa,  71,  78. 
aaoer,  70. 
Saxieola,  genua,  168. 

oeranthe,  168. 
Saroiophorua,  genus,  828. 

tricolor,  828. 
Boalops,  genus,  28. 
aenens,  28. 
Townsendii,  24. 
Scansores,  order,  280. 


INDEX. 


Soobpaeidae,  iamily,  810. 
Scolopaz,  genua,  810. 

auoklandica,  811. 
meridionalia,  810. 
Scops,  genua,  107. 
sunia,  107. 
Sciuridae,  family,  40. 
Sciurus,  genus,  40. 
foaaor,  40. 
Soolecophagus,  genua,  128. 

mexioanus,  128. 
Seals,  25. 
Sialia,  genus,  164. 
arctica,  164. 
mezicana,  164. 
simus,  Cuoulus,  245. 
Sorecidae,  family,  28. 
Spatula,  genus,  848. 

olypeata,  848. 
Spermophila,  genus,  183. 
telasco,  183. 
splendens,  Aprosmiotus,  288. 
Spbeniscus,  genus,  352. 

demersus,  854. 
magellaoicus,  358. 
minor,  355. 
Spizella,  genus,  183. 
pallida,  183. 
Sqnatarola,  genua,  326. 

helvetica,  326. 
Stenopsis,  genus,  188. 

longirostris,  188. 
parvulus,  188. 
Sterna,  genus,  381. 
frontalis,  381. 
iiiliginosB,  386. 
lunata,  382. 
meridionalia,  885. 
poiiocerca,  884. 
Strepilas,  genus,  822. 

interpres,  822. 
Strigidae,  family,  108. 
Striz,  genus,  108. 

delicatuia,  105. 
perlata,  108. 
pratincola,  104. 


!PKI^WWWW-W»w»iWI  iiu  «ii||»,..M«l|pill!!fp!iW?iff'" 


,11.  ra|i||piippii^np^P«ip|{in(  fim 


INDEX. 


465 


^  * 


Stnithns,  genua,  188. 

oregonus,  138. 
Sturnella,  genus,  1.29. 

Defillipei,  181. 
militaris,  130. 
negleota,  129. 
Stelleri,  Gyanocorax,  122. 
Sula,  genus,  368. 
.oapensis,  865. 
fiber,  868. 
personata,  368, 
piscator,  365. 
Swift  Fox,  21. 
•Sykiadae,  family,  168. 
Synopsis  of  American  Vultures,  77. 
Genus  Todiramphus,  202. 

tabuensis,  Aprosmictus,  234. 
Tacbypetes,  genus,  358. 
aquila,  358. 
Palmerstoni,  359. 
Taenioptera,  genus,  155. 

obscura,  155. 
tabiticus,  Oallus,  290. 
Tanygnathus,  genus,  230. 

pileatus,  230, 
Tatare,  genus,  159. 

otaitensis,  159. 
telasco,  Spermophila,  133. 
Tonuirostres,  order,  168. 
tenuirostris,  Procellaria,  409, 
Tetraonidae,  family,  283. 
Tetrao,  genus,  288. 

canadensis,  285. 
phasianellus,  284. 
obsourus,  2v4. 
umbellus.  283. 
urophasianus,  285. 
Tinnunculus,  genus,  89< 

sparverius,  89. 
Thalaasidroma,  genus,  402. 
furcata,  405, 
lineata,  408. 
Wilsonii,  402, 
Thinocorus,  genus,  288. 
Ingae,  288, 


117 


Todiramphus,  genus,  192,  202. 
Synopsis  of,  202. 
oinnamominus,  220. 
oblcMs,  208. 
oonmatiu!,  219. 
divinos,  199, 217. 
Forsteni,  226, 
fiinebria,  225. 
ocoipitalia,  205. 
pyrriiopygins,  218, 
reourrirostri*,  198,  216, 
saoctuB,  £14. 
■aurophagus,  218, 
Bordidas,  212. 
torotoro,  222. 
tuta,  102,  206. 
vagans,  197,  210. 
varius,  223. 
Titiensis,  196,  209, 
Tetanus,  genus,  818, 

brevipes,  319. 
oceanicus,  818. 
melanoleuous,  320. 
maoularius,  820. 
tricolor,  Sarolophorus,  328, 
Tringa,  genus,  321. 

parvirostris,  821. 
Turdidae,  family,  157. 
Turkey  Bvzzanl,  73,  82, 
tuta,  Todiramphus,  195. 
Tyrannus,  genus,  152. 
borealis,  153. 
yerticalis,.  152, 
Tyrennula,  genus,  158, 
albioeps,  154. 
chrysoceps,  154, 
Saya,  158. 

umbellus,  Tstrao,  283. 
umbrina,  Zapornia,  305, 
Ungulata,  order,  55. 
urbicola,  Gathartes,  81. 
urophasianus,  Tetrao,  285. 
Uria,  genus,  346. 

columba,  846- 
Ursidae,  fftmily,  13. 


4.vviiipWWWIIiliPI 


mifi? 


mmm 


mmmm^^mm^mi^W. 


466 

Unas,  gennii  18. 

horribilia,  18.'. 
vagana,  Todinunphua,  197,  210. 
mnikonnaia,  Merah,  157. 

Myiagra,  148. 
Tertiualia,  Tyrannna,  162. 
YeapertUionidae,  ikmily,  8. 
Veapertllio,  genuf,  8. 

oaliforaiooB,  8. 
aamicandatiia,  4. 
TinaMliB,  Ardea,  299. 
Titienaia,  Colamba,  251. 
Miu,40. 
Porpbyrio,  809. 
TodirampbuB,  195,  209. 
Yooi&ma,  HiaUcda,  827. 
Volatinia,  gtiiiua,  186. 

jaoarina,  136. 
Vulpas,  genOB,  21. 

magellaniooa,  22. 
▼irginianna,  21 1 


INDEX. 


Tolpea,  veloK,  21'. 
Voltoridae,  fiuuily^  09. 
Yaltarea,  69. 

Walpole,  Lient.,  tbe  Hon.  F.,  on  Pleiodos 

atrigiroatria,  282. 
Wilkeaii,  Garpophaga,  268. 
Wilaonii,  Tbaiaasidroma,  402. 
Wolf,  Buffalo,  16. 
Prairie,  19. 

kantboobeilna  Gbaradritta,  d26. 

2!apornia,  genua,  805. 

nmbrina,  805. 
libetbiona.  Fiber,  84. 
Zonotrichia,  genua,  182. 
pileata,  182. 
Zoateropa,  genua,  167. 

flavioeps,  167. 


'sUs  kKD. 


■iiUP^ 


Ins 


